Luzon raises Israel's horizons

Avi Luzon hopes his experience with Maccabi Petach-Tikva FC will benefit the whole nation in his new role as Israel Football Association (IFA) president.

IFA honour
Having officially taken over from Izthak Menahem on 17 March after winning an election in October 2006, Luzon has set out his stall for his three-year mandate as IFA president, saying: "It is an honour and a responsibility to head one of the most important organisations in Israeli sport and public life."

'Challenging role'
Luzon hoped that he would be able to bring Israeli football to a new level, saying: "Despite years of involvement in various aspects of the game at club, league and association levels, I am hugely excited at taking on this most challenging role and I hope I will be able to make changes for the better."

Petach-Tikva success
A banker by profession, the past decade saw Luzon honing his football administration skills at Petach-Tikva, who he helped transform from a modest league side into European contenders. They reached the group stage of the UEFA Cup last season after a notable win against FK Partizan in the first round.

Father figure
He has not abandoned his passion for Petach-Tikva, but hopes that his nous will help other clubs to reach their full potential too, saying: "I am a Maccabi Petach-Tikva fan and will remain a Maccabi Petach-Tikva fan but I intend to become the president of all the Israeli clubs - professional, amateur, big and small."

Progressive policies
Luzon's policies are expected to create a major stir in Israel. He has said that he will restructure the IFA, increase income through sponsorship, undertake major renovation works at the National Stadium in Ramat Gan and build a permanent training facility for all of the national teams. At club level, he is hoping to improve local players by placing a limit on the number of foreign footballers in Israel's top two divisions.

'The time is right'
"Competent and professional management, setting long-term objectives, plenty of hard work, faith and applying the appropriate resources will see our teams gain success," said Luzon. "However, in order to reach these goals, we will require the support and encouragement of the fans. I am a great believer in Israeli football and Israeli footballers and I have no doubt that the time is right for a new era both domestically and at international level."