Israel Football Association Confirms Dia Saba Will Not Be Called Up Again

The Israel Football Association has confirmed that midfielder Dia Saba, 34, will no longer be called up to the national team. The decision, reportedly reached by mutual understanding with the player, means Saba will miss the upcoming Nations League campaign. Saba currently plays for Turkish club Göztepe, which is fifth in the league, and he has scored two goals this season, indicating the decision is not based on his on-field performance.

Instead, the association cited "political complexity" as the reason for Saba's exclusion, stating it is "impossible" for him to wear the national team jersey under the current political circumstances. This situation arises as the national team prepares for its opening match on the 24th of the month in Austria, the first of four games in ten days, including two against Ireland and one against Kosovo.

The team is also facing other absences. Gabi Kanyukovsky will miss the first match due to his brother's wedding, while Stav Lemkin and Itay Rotman are out with injuries. Doron Leidner and Raz Shlomo may receive call-ups, as might captain Eli Dasa, who is currently without a club after his contract with NEC Nijmegen was not renewed. Omri Gandelman is also facing uncertainty due to irregular training with his club, Lech Poznań.

An additional challenge involves players based in the United States, who are expected to arrive only a day before the opening match in Austria.