UEFA to discuss Israel ban on Sept 14 - IFA

JERUSALEM, Aug 31 (Reuters) European soccer's governing body, UEFA, will reconsider its ban on matches played in Israel on September.

14, the Israel Football Association (IFA) said on its Web site today.

Last month UEFA prevented Israeli clubs from hosting matches on home soil because of the war in the north of the country with Lebanese guerrilla group Hizbollah which ended with United Nations-brokered ceasefire on August. 14.

The IFA said chairman Iche Menahem received a letter today from UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson which said ''UEFA is monitoring the improvement of the situation...and will discuss returning matches to Israel.'' The IFA report said Menahem would consult with UEFA officials at their Swiss headquarters before September. 14.

However, a UEFA spokesman could not confirm the IFA report of a meeting.

The ban has forced Israel to host their first home Euro 2008 qualifying match against Andorra in the Netherlands next week.

Israeli clubs have also been affected and no qualifying matches in this season's Champions League or UEFA Cup were played in Israel.

Even if the ban is lifted, it will be too late for Maccabi Haifa to host UEFA Cup first round opponents, Litex Lovech of Bulgaria in Israel. They are due to play on the same day as the UEFA meeting and will have play at a neutral venue.

Hapoel Tel Aviv may benefit, however, as their home clash with Ukraine's Chornomorets Odessa is on September 28.

REUTERS PDS PM1908