UEFA have confirmed to the Jewish News that next summer's U21 European Championships will take place in Israel - despite the Palestinian Football Association demanding they be stripped of hosting the event.
Palestinian football bosses wrote to UEFA President Michel Platini, claiming Israel is in "direct violation of FIFA regulations", referring to the imprisonment of Palestinian footballer Mahmoud Sarsak. Arrested on information regarding his involvement in military activities of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Rafah, he is now set to be released.Federation President Jibril Rajoub wrote: "We are deeply concerned about the situation of our footballers, we ask your excellency not to give Israel the honour of hosting the next UEFA U21 Championship in 2013."
However, European football's governing body, who awarded Israel the hosting rights last January, ahead of bids from England and Wales, said: "The tournament will definitely take place in Israel.
"As has been expressed on many occasions, UEFA is of the opinion that football - and sport in general - are building bridges between nations and communities and that political matters should not interfere with the practice of the game.
"We are therefore committed to offer all of our 53 member associations - including the Israeli FA - their national teams, clubs and supporters, the opportunity to participate in our competition and in the development of football across Europe. And it is with this in mind that the UEFA Executive Committee awarded the organisation of the final tournament of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2013 to Israel."
The Israel Football Association had earlier released a statement, which read: "We are certain that FIFA and UEFA will not mix politics with soccer and are certain that the Under-21 European Championships will take place, as decided, in Israel next summer."
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