UEFA lifts ban on international football matches in Israel
The ban was imposed in July during the recent Israeli military operation in Gaza
NYON, Switzerland
UEFA lifted the ban on Israeli football teams playing international football matches in Israel at an UEFA Executive Committee meeting on Thursday in Nyon.
"The ban is now lifted due to the improved situation in Israel," UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino said.
The decision was imposed in July during the latest Israeli military operation on Gaza.
The lifting of the ban does not affect Israeli football clubs for this season as all Israeli teams have been eliminated during the previous rounds in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League competitions, but Israel can now host games in the qualifying round of UEFA Euro 2016.
Infantino also commented on the situation of football in Crimea on Thursday morning and said they had a meeting with the representatives of the Russian Fooball League and the Football Federation of Ukraine and adding that "It was very constructive discussion with good will shown from both sides."
As a result of this meeting, Infantino said "a working group willl be established. We feel that a solution can be found which will allow football to be played in Crimea."
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