Security assurances sought

UEFA has asked for written assurances from both the Israel Football Association and the relevant public authorities, guaranteeing safety and security around UEFA matches to be played in the Tel-Aviv area in Israel.

Back-up plan
"Due to the increasing nature of the conflict involving Israel and Lebanon, UEFA has also asked the Israel FA to submit to UEFA a back-up plan in case a further deterioration of the security situation requires that European matches are played outside the country," a UEFA statement said, "and to submit the written guarantees of any potential host association and the public authorities involved as soon as possible."

Tel Aviv area
The UEFA Executive Committee approved the lifting of a ban on home matches in Israel for all UEFA competitions on 21 April 2004. This ban was lifted on condition that matches were played only in the Tel-Aviv area, and that security guarantees were provided for every match, with the Israel FA and its clubs providing written confirmation. Moreover, UEFA has reserved the right to impose a ban on any match or matches in Israel, should the security situation deteriorate.