Maccabi Haifa Amputee Football Team Departs for Inaugural EAFF Conference League Tournament

The Maccabi Haifa amputee football team has traveled to Romania to compete in the first-ever EAFF Conference League tournament. Hosted by Steaua Bucharest at their facilities, the competition features players who have experienced limb loss due to military service, the Nova music festival massacre, or road accidents.

The Israeli team, nicknamed 'The Greens,' will begin their tournament play on Thursday at 11:00 AM local time against Panathinaikos of Greece. Later that day, they are scheduled to face hosts Steaua Bucharest at 4:00 PM. On Friday, Maccabi Haifa will play their final group stage match against Scotland's Celtic.

Team captain Tzachi Shachrar expressed pride in representing the club and Israel, calling the tournament a significant milestone for amputee football in Europe. "We come with aspirations, respect for our opponents, and pride in representing our club and our country," he stated.

Head coach Sharon Paz highlighted the tournament's importance for player development and experience, emphasizing that competing against teams from Romania, Scotland, and Greece demonstrates the growing landscape of amputee football. "For Maccabi Haifa, participating in this tournament is much more than competition, it is about development, gaining experience, and making history," Paz said.