Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has said he would be willing to take his team to Israel for their Champions League return with Maccabi Haifa. UEFA have decreed that Maccabi must play all their home group matches in Cyprus because of security concerns in the Middle East.
It leaves the first Israeli club to qualify for the group stage of Europe's biggest club competition at a huge disadvantage and, having lost 5-2 in their opening game at Old Trafford last night. United are due to visit Nicosia on October 29th and though UEFA are unlikely to change their minds at this late stage, Ferguson said he would not be bothered if his team had to change destinations.
"It wouldn't affect us if we played in Israel and if that was the decision we would go. However, we take guidance on the matter from UEFA and they have told us the match is in Nicosia. There is growing resentment in Israel that soccer, unlike other sports such as basketball, has decided not to enter their country during the current troubles. However, with the chances of an about-turn virtually non-existent, they will have to keep clocking up the air miles over the next few weeks," said Ferguson.
Filed by James Shortt
