Israel-Gaza conflict: Uefa bans Israel from hosting any Champions League and Europa League matches while fighting continues

Uefa claim the 'current security situation' has forced them to consider alternative venues 'until further notice'

Agency
Friday 18 July 2014 07:30 BST
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Maccabi Tel Aviv fans celebrate their team's win in Kikar Rabin or Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, on May 19, 2014, following last night's victory over Real Madrid in the Euroleague 2014
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans celebrate their team's win in Kikar Rabin or Rabin Square in Tel Aviv, on May 19, 2014, following last night's victory over Real Madrid in the Euroleague 2014

Uefa is barring Israeli teams from playing European matches at home while the fighting between Israel and Hamas continues.

The decision by Uefa's emergency panel will affect Israeli teams playing in the Champions League and Europa League.

Citing the "current security situation," Uefa says Israeli clubs must propose alternative venues in another country for home legs "until further notice."

Maccabi Tel Aviv had been due to host a qualifying game in the Champions League and Hapoel Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Europa League this month.

The announcement comes after the Gaza Strip was once again the target of Israeli air strikes yesterday as a proposed ceasefire agreement with the Palestinians collapsed in confusion. The Israeli army said it agreed to cease fire at 9am but Hamas said it was not party to any agreement and continued to fire rockets at Israel.

More to follow...

AP

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