Dia Saba Likely Out of Israel National Team Due to Political Climate
Israeli midfielder Dia Saba is reportedly set to be excluded from the upcoming Nations League squad, marking a potential end to his international career. The decision is not based on his performance, as the 33-year-old is in excellent form for his Turkish club, Adanaspor, where he has scored two goals this season and helped them to fifth place in the league. Despite his on-field success and a reported salary of 1.3 million euros per season, Saba's exclusion stems from the current political situation. Both the player, the Israeli Football Association (IFA), and the national team management understand that his participation would be untenable.
National team coach Ran Ben Shimon had previously expressed a desire to include Saba, even amidst political complexities, citing the need for a deep squad for upcoming matches against Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo. However, the IFA has taken a firm stance against his inclusion. Sources within the national team indicated that Saba's presence could cause significant controversy and personal repercussions for him in Turkey, a country with a notably anti-Israel atmosphere. The situation is compared to that of Sagiv Yehezkel, who was previously arrested in Turkey for a pro-hostage gesture while playing for Antalyaspor.
Saba has been absent from the national team for two years, with previous explanations citing his desire to focus on recovery and family during international breaks, and later his need to settle in Turkey. An incident involving a social media post by his wife shortly after October 7th also led to his loan move from Maccabi Haifa to a UAE club. While Saba has stated he would coordinate any future call-ups with the professional staff, both parties appear to have mutually agreed that his time with the national team has concluded.
The article also briefly touches on other football news, including the signing of Dutch defender Yannick Leliendal by Hapoel Tel Aviv after consulting with Maccabi Tel Aviv's Tyrique Asante, Maccabi Tel Aviv's costly re-signing of midfielder Dor Peretz, a reform in youth player transfer regulations, and transfer updates on Emmanouil Forson, Eli Dasa, and Yarin Levi.
