Turkish Broadcaster Calls Dia Saba 'Unwanted Person' in Israel

A prominent Turkish sports broadcaster has described Israeli footballer Dia Saba as an "unwanted person" in Israel, suggesting that not being called up to the national team is a "huge honor" for him. The commentator, Ertem Şener, who also works as a Turkish-language commentator for FC27, stated that Saba, a Muslim-Israeli playing for Turkish club Adanaspor, has become a "hated and ostracized figure" in Israel, facing threats and calls for him not to play for the national team.

Saba has been a key player for Adanaspor, leading them to the top Turkish league and currently to first place after six rounds. His exclusion from the upcoming Israeli national team squad has drawn criticism. National team coach Ran Ben Shimon clarified that professionally, Saba still has a place on the team. However, Ben Shimon explained that a mutual decision was made not to call him up at this time due to concerns about how a national team call-up might affect Saba's future, implying a complex situation surrounding his status.

Ben Shimon stated he is in constant contact with Saba and understands the "complexity" of the situation, adding, "If a player needs to think if a national team call-up will affect his future, that's not right. Therefore, we decided in a joint conversation that it's not suitable right now."