BERLIN – Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier between Israel and Switzerland in Tel Aviv and other games in Israel have been postponed due to the unstable security situation in the country, UEFA said on Sunday, reported dpa news agency.
The postponement comes the day after Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip, with at least 700 people killed in Israel and around 2,000 injured; and more than 400 dead in Gaza.
The postponements also include U21 Euro 2025 qualifiers Israel v Estonia and v Germany on October 12 and 17, respectively; as well as an U17 Euro 2024 mini-qualifying tournament between Israel, Belgium, Gibraltar, and Wales set for October 11-17.
“In light of the current security situation in Israel, UEFA has decided to postpone all matches scheduled in Israel in the next couple of weeks with new dates to be confirmed in due course,” UEFA said.
UEFA added it will also assess whether Israel’s next match in Kosovo on October 15 can go ahead as planned.
Other sports have also been affected by the hostilities, with basketball games in the Eurocup between Hapoel Shlomo Tel Aviv and Wolves Vilnius on October 11 and the Euroleague a day later between Playtika Tel Aviv and EA/ Emporio Armani Milan postponed.
“Euroleague Basketball is monitoring the situation and will evaluate with the affected teams the best possible options to reschedule the games based on available dates. Further information will be released when available,” a statement said.
In handball, upcoming women’s Euro 2024 qualifiers Slovakia v Israel and Israel vs Germany will also not be played “as a result of the terrible developments in Israel”, the governing body EHF said. – October 9, 2023