2007-09-07 09:38:17 · 17 answers · asked by jebrin 1 in Sports ➔ Football ➔ Other - Football
Because of isolation by many of its Middle Eastern neighbors, the Israel Football Association was not affiliated with any confederation between 1974 and 1994. Since 1991 Israeli clubs have been participating in European competitions and they received full UEFA membership in 1994. They were invited.
Before 1974 they did play in Asia. In 1964 they hosted and won the Asain Cup. Finished 2nd in 1956 and 1960.
Security risks is not the problem, the problem is that a number of countries in Asia ( Iran , Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria ) REFUSE to participate in any head to head play against Israel and have forfeited matches in the Olympics for example rather than play the hated Israelis.
Thanks Damian ! ; )
2007-09-07 09:48:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
That is an interesting question which a lot of people ask but get Ziltch as an answer.
Israel takes part in everything European when they are NOT an European state.
Israel takes part in the Miss EUROPE contest.
Israel takes part in the Europe Song Contest (Eurovision)
Israel takes part in the European football championships
Israel takes part in the World Cup football championship as one of the European countries.
Worst of all, Israel has applied to become a member of the European Union which is something reserved for European countries only. It is like Ghana or Algeria becoming E.U. members.
Anyone has an answer to this then ?! I am perplexed.
Reasons why they participate in European football as an European country that they are NOT have been given but how can it be explained Isreal participating in Miss EUROPE contest AND in the Europe Song Contest (Eurovision) AND have applied to be a European Union member ?? How can those be explained away like football ?! Anyone can answer that ???
2007-09-08 09:43:42 · answer #2 · answered by RED-CHROME 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
G'day Jebrin,
Thank you for your question.
Israel has been a participant in five different continents before settling with Europe as a member of UEFA. It was originally involved in Asia but the prospect of continued boycotts forced it from Asia. Israel qualified for its only World Cup in 1970 from Asia. Since 1972, it has not been a member of the Asian Football Confederation
In 1994, it joined UEFA and has participated in European competitions since.
Regards
2007-09-07 10:15:08 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Simple- due to the political turmoil in the Middle East and the general hatred toward Israel in the area, it would be unsafe for players and fans to play matches in Iraq, Iran etc.
2007-09-07 10:27:14 · answer #4 · answered by darth_timon 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You mean because Israel is not in Europe? Good point, what next...Brazil and Argentina?
2007-09-07 11:03:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are a disputed country and the disputed land is not even located in Europe so I'm wondering too.
2007-09-07 09:41:35 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Otherwise they would have to play against Syria, Iran, Iraq, etc...not a good idea.
2007-09-07 09:40:43 · answer #7 · answered by Knownow't 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Thats my Question too .
I wonder if they have any time for football cuase you know they are always busy killing intruders !!
2007-09-08 22:06:27 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because of the politics behind it. If you made them compete in Asia, half of the continent would boycott the tournaments, games, etc...It's easier to put them into Europe where they're more welcome.
2007-09-07 09:42:18 · answer #9 · answered by LaissezFaire 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Because they wanted to play in European competetions, they asked to play and their request was granted. Simple.
Cheers.
2007-09-07 12:44:06 · answer #10 · answered by Freddy 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋