[Rizza]

I've done an internet search but couldn't find when Israel joined UEFA and under what circumstances considering they are geographically located in the Middle East. If anyone knows the facts behind it can you please share.

Rizza

[DrPepper]

Nations straddling the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia have generally had their choice of confederation. As a result, a number of transcontinental nations including Russia, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan have chosen to become part of UEFA despite the bulk of their land area being in Asia. Israel, although lying entirely within Asia, joined UEFA in 1994, after decades of isolation by many of its Middle Eastern neighbours. Kazakhstan was the latest nation to make the move from AFC to UEFA, in 2002.
from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIFA

[overkill]

I must admit I couldn't find much! The reason for Israels inclusion in the European zone, besides of course the fact that the current ruling population of Israel came almost exclusively from Europe, is that the level of hostility between them and their neighbours, plus the threat of terrorism, made their case for inclusion in European events the more 'viable' option.

[wullsy]

From what I can remember (I was in Israel myself recently to watch a UEFA cup match), Israel were originally in the Asia Confederation, but none of the Mulsim countries would play them, so it made more sense for them to move to UEFA.

[RMCF]

Originally Posted by wullsy

From what I can remember (I was in Israel myself recently to watch a UEFA cup match), Israel were originally in the Asia Confederation, but none of the Mulsim countries would play them, so it made more sense for them to move to UEFA.

And often when they play other European sides, there are usually concerns about safety and security and many games are played on 'neutral' terrority.

They are a pain in the ass!!

[arthurdentpc]

Northern Ireland played Israel in qualifiers for the 1982 World Cup - so I'm a bit dubious about the 1994 date above being correct. Unless of course they left UEFA and tried to play in Asia again in between.

It's only football though - Israel have been in Eurovision for years too.

[bjd]

Next thing you know they'll be influencing our foreign policy.......oh..............wait.........