Kings Kangwa Likely Ineligible to Play for Hapoel Be'er Sheva Due to UEFA Rules

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is currently negotiating with AEK Athens to sign midfielder Kings Kangwa. However, an upcoming UEFA Champions League qualifying match could prevent Kangwa from playing for Be'er Sheva if he participates in the qualifiers for AEK. According to UEFA regulations, specifically Article 30.05, a player who competes in the Champions League qualifying rounds for one club cannot represent another club in the same competition during that season. This rule applies only within the same tournament and does not extend to the Europa League if the player’s team drops down to that competition.

AEK Athens has invested heavily in new players this summer, including two signings at 4 million euros each, totaling 16.45 million euros spent last season. The club will begin its European campaign in the Champions League playoff round, guaranteeing at least participation in the Europa League group stage, which secures approximately 5 million euros in revenue. If AEK advances to the Champions League group stage, the financial rewards will be significantly higher. It remains uncertain whether AEK will be seeded in the playoff round.

Therefore, if Kangwa plays for AEK in the upcoming qualifier against Vikingur, he will be barred from playing for Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the event they face AEK in the playoff round. This UEFA rule could influence Be'er Sheva’s plans regarding the midfielder’s integration into their squad during the European competition.