Maccabi Tel Aviv CEO: No Reason EuroLeague Shouldn't Return to Israel
Translated & summarized from N12 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 within four days. EuroLeague officials recently visited Israel, attending both a football and a basketball game, and were reportedly impressed by the atmosphere and positive interactions. Ben Tal highlighted the importance of security stability and the warm sentiments expressed by foreign dignitaries and players about Israel. The team is currently playing home games in Belgrade but hopes to return to Tel Aviv soon.
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 were impressed by the atmosphere.
- Ben Tal stated that ambassadors and players expressed warm sentiments about Israel, strengthening their case.
- He emphasized the long period of security stability and the positive daily life in Israel.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv is currently playing home games in Belgrade due to EuroLeague decisions.
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.
During their visit, EuroLeague executives attended a football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Sakhnin at Bloomfield Stadium, an event Ben Tal highlighted as a demonstration of coexistence that countered foreign perceptions of constant conflict. They also experienced the enthusiastic crowd of 11,000 at a basketball game, which he described as an "amazing display."
Ben Tal noted that meetings with ambassadors from various countries conveyed warm sentiments towards Israel, which he believes strengthens their case for hosting games. He also shared an emotional encounter with players from Hapoel Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv, who spoke movingly about Israel, an experience he deemed more significant than financial considerations.
"There is no reason why we shouldn't do this, we all live good lives here," Ben Tal asserted, referencing the long period of security stability. He hopes that the combined presence of ambassadors, players, and the Minister of Sport will present a perfect picture to the EuroLeague. He also expressed hope that games would not be held outside Israel until 2027.
Currently, Maccabi Tel Aviv is playing its home games in Belgrade due to the EuroLeague's decision. Ben Tal confirmed that charter flights for fans to away games have been nearly full, and efforts are being made to bring Maccabi fans to Belgrade. He also briefly touched on the team's current positive momentum and upcoming challenging Spanish week.
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