No UEFA games in Israel 'until further notice'

European football's governing body has announced that no UEFA competition matches will be played in Israel until further notice.

Israel's national teams and club sides Maccabi Haifa and the Robbie Keane managed Maccabi Tel Aviv, who are both competing in Europe, must find alternative venues outside the country to fulfil their UEFA fixtures.

The announcement comes amid the escalating Israel-Palestine conflict, which was sparked earlier this month by an attack on Israeli citizens by Hamas militants.

A UEFA statement read: "After a thorough evaluation of the current safety and security situation in the whole territory of Israel, the UEFA Executive Committee decided that no UEFA competition matches shall be played in Israel until further notice.

"The Israel Football Association and its clubs Maccabi Haifa FC and Maccabi Tel-Aviv have been requested to propose alternative venues/stadiums (which must comply with all applicable UEFA regulations) outside the territory of Israel for their home matches to be used for as long as this decision remains in force."

Israel's national team were due to stage Euro 2024 qualifiers against Switzerland and Romania - the two teams above them in Group I - in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem respectively next month, while Maccabi Haifa are playing in the Europa League and Maccabi Tel Aviv are in the Europa Conference League.

A number of UEFA competition matches involving teams from Israel had already been postponed.