UEFA Delays Football Schedule In Israel Impact Of Conflict With Hamas

Gaza/ILLUSTRATION UNSPLASH/Mohammed Ibrahim

JAKARTA The European Football Federation (UEFA) has decided to postpone all scheduled matches taking place in Israel over the next few weeks due to the conflict in the country.

The situation in Israel began to heat up after Hamas managed to carry out a surprise attack that killed nearly 500 people on Saturday, October 7 last. The attack was the deadliest in Israel over the past 50 years.

"Given the current security situation in Israel, the UEFA has decided to postpone all matches scheduled for Israel in the next few weeks with a new date to be confirmed in due course," UEFA said in a statement.

The impacted matches included the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Friday this week between Israel and Switzerland and Israel's Euro U-21 match against Estonia and Germany.

In addition, the mini tournament, scheduled for October 10-17, involving teams U-17 from Israel, Belgium, Gibraltar, and Wales, was also postponed.

Another Euro 2024 qualifying match between Israel and Kosovo on October 15 is also likely to be postponed. UEFA said they would wait a few more days to make a decision.

"UEFA will continue to monitor the situation closely and will remain in touch with all the teams involved before making a decision on a new date and possible changes to other upcoming matches," UEFA continued.

The warming of the conflict in Israel in recent days has claimed hundreds of lives. The Israeli military itself has declared it ready to fight against Hamas militants.