Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO: No Reason EuroLeague Shouldn't Return to Israel
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Avi Ben Tal believes there is no reason EuroLeague games should not return to Israel, with a decision expected in the coming days. EuroLeague officials recently visited Israel, attending both football and basketball games, and meeting with ambassadors and players. Ben Tal highlighted the positive impressions made by the security situation and the team's supporters, despite the team currently playing in Belgrade.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Avi Ben Tal expects a EuroLeague decision on returning games to Israel within four days.
- EuroLeague officials visited Israel, attending football and basketball games and meeting with local figures.
- Ben Tal stated that the officials were impressed by the security situation and fan enthusiasm.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently playing its home EuroLeague games in Belgrade.
- Ben Tal believes the calm security situation in Israel supports the return of EuroLeague games.
Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO Avi Ben Tal expressed optimism about the potential return of EuroLeague games to Israel, following a recent visit by EuroLeague officials. Ben Tal stated that the EuroLeague CEO is expected to make a final decision within the next four days. He described the EuroLeague officials' visit as "very busy," highlighting their attendance at a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Sakhnin at Bloomfield Stadium, which he felt countered foreign perceptions of constant conflict by showcasing inter-city cooperation. The officials also experienced the enthusiastic crowd of 11,000 at a basketball game.
Ben Tal mentioned that meetings with ambassadors from various countries conveyed warm sentiments towards Israel, which he believes strengthens their case for hosting games. He also noted the positive impact of interactions with players from Maccabi Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, whose emotional testimonials about Israel deeply impressed the visitors. Ben Tal emphasized that the current security situation in Israel is calm, with people attending concerts and living normal lives, making a return of EuroLeague games feasible.
Currently, Maccabi Tel Aviv is playing its home games in Belgrade due to the EuroLeague's decision. Ben Tal hopes this will change soon, but the team is subject to the league's rulings. He also commented on the team's positive momentum and the strong support from fans, with charter flights to away games being nearly full. Efforts are being made to bring Maccabi fans to Belgrade, and Ben Tal hopes they will soon be able to follow the team to games in Tel Aviv.
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