Israel to play Euro 2008 qualifer behind closed doors

AMSTERDAM, Aug 30 (Reuters) Israel will play their Euro 2008 Group E qualifying match against Andorra behind closed doors in Nijmegen next Wednesday, the Dutch club has announced on their internet site.

UEFA, European soccer's governing body, have ordered Israel to play their home matches at neutral venues due to the security situation in the Middle East.

As an added precuation, no fans will be admitted to the match in Nijmegen.

Israel, bidding to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time since the 1970 World Cup finals, open their campaign against Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday.

England, Russia, Croatia and Macedonia are also in the same group.

Reuters PDS DB2139