Delayed kick-off in Israel
Monday, August 18, 2003
Article summary
The Israeli season will kick off three weeks late after a failure to sell TV rights for the domestic game.
Article body
League setback
The new campaign in the country's top three divisions had been due to start this weekend but will now begin on 13 September. The Israel Football Association (IFA) made the move after being unable to clinch a deal for the sale of its TV rights.
IFA statement
An IFA statement said: "The IFA secretariat has recommended unanimously that play in the premier, second and third divisions begin on 13 September." The postponement will allow potential broadcasters to prepare new bids. The Israeli season was delayed last year for similar reasons.