UEFA will continue to monitor the security situation in the Middle East closely ahead of Chelsea's scheduled trip to Israel next week. Attacks on terrorist targets in Afghanistan over the last two days by British and American forces has intensified possible security concerns surrounding the UEFA Cup second round first leg tie against Hapoel Tel-Aviv.
If the situation worsens, there is a chance the game could yet be moved to a neutral venue, possibly as a one-off tie rather than a two-legged match. However, Chelsea have made no request as yet for a change of venue. Assistant manager Gwyn Williams confirmed: " We will continue to seek guidance from the Foreign Office, as well as the Football Association and UEFA."
A UEFA spokeswoman said today: "It is too premature to make any comment at the moment. Obviously we will continue to monitor the situation closely."
Filed by Shane Murray
