Palestine Football Team

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SteveIrwin

SteveIrwin

Well-Known Radge
Joined
May 30, 2005
Why do they have to play in the Asian Qualifying rounds when they are as close, if not closer, than Israel to European mainland?
 
Fritz said:
Yes. I think this question is more apt. Given that Israel isn`t in Europe. It`s in Asia.
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So is Kazakhstan, some of Turkey and most of Russia and Azerbaijan, all of which play their football under UEFA. I don't think the inclusion of Israel is particularly controversial. Some countries in the Middle East and former Soviet Union have always been quite distinct from the political and cultural norms of their European and Asian neighbors.
 
Could it be that it is less likely to be a source of tension and controversy to have Israel play in Europe than it would be to have them play against teams in the Asian group?
 
Two Headed Boy said:
So is Kazakhstan, some of Turkey and most of Russia and Azerbaijan, all of which play their football under UEFA. I don't think the inclusion of Israel is particularly controversial. Some countries in the Middle East and former Soviet Union have always been quite distinct from the political and cultural norms of their European and Asian neighbors.
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I guess it`s where you define the 'border' of Europe and Asia. Turkey has always been on the line where Asia becomes Europe. So has Kazakhstan....and Russia, Azerbaijan etc.....They are granted Euro/Asian status. Israel though, is in Asia only. It`s a fact.

I know that Israel are treated differently, probably for political reasons, but it doesn`t alter the fact it`s an Asian country and, all things being equal, should be playing in Asian competition.

All things aren`t equal of course.
 
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Purple & Green said:
Why Does Israel's Football Team Play In Europe?
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Through history, Asian sports associations have kicked Israel out of those local associations for political reasons. It's not just football but other sports too Sometimes though Israel have left of their own volition due to security concerns or their own political reasons. It's been an on off thing throughout their sporting history.
 
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Fifa would have logistical nightmares at the thought of Israel playing in Asia. 14 countries in Asia refuse to recognise Israeli passports and the national team would therefore be refused entry if arriving in any of these countries for a fixture.
I assume FIFA would then have to ban the country refusing to let Israel in.
I suspect Palestine would not have that problem.

PQ123
 
Palestine players are dependent on Israeli governments letting them leave the country so have similar problems I believe
 
Meanwhile the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest is being held in the Middle East. In Tel Aviv to be precise. Bizarre.

BIG G
 
Fritz said:
Yes. I think this question is more apt. Given that Israel isn`t in Europe. It`s in Asia.
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It wasn't really a question- Purple and Green was posting a link explaining why Israel joined UEFA in 1994, 20 years after they were banned from the Asian Football Association and 30 years since 11 of the 16 AFA nations refused to partake in the Asian Cup because it was being hosted in Israel.
 
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