Israeli teams, including Maccabi Haifa, are competing in UEFA tournaments such as the Champions League this season. Israel’s complex football history led it from the Asian Football Confederation to UEFA membership in 1994. Political boycotts influenced its earlier footballing journey, but Israeli clubs have since established their presence in European competitions.
An English football club may travel to Israel for a Champions League match as Maccabi Haifa seeks a position in the group stage. They will face Serbian team FK Crvena zvezda in the final qualifying round, starting with the first leg on Wednesday. The eligibility of Israeli teams in the Champions League raises questions since Israel is geographically situated outside Europe, highlighting its complex football history.
Israel’s participation in European football stems from historical exclusion from Asian competitions due to political reasons. Since joining UEFA in 1994, Israeli clubs have consistently participated in European tournaments, including the Champions League and Europa League. Maccabi Haifa and Maccabi Tel Aviv are notable teams that have represented Israel on this stage, showcasing the country’s persistent efforts in the football domain despite geographical challenges.
Original Source: inews.co.uk
