Israeli Premier League May Postpone Half of Opening Round Due to European Playoff Commitments

Four Israeli football clubs have reached the third qualifying round of European competitions, an exceptional achievement that could impact the Israeli Premier League schedule. Three of the opening round matches are at risk of being postponed, potentially reducing the first round to just four games. The reason lies in the European playoff commitments of the teams involved. Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv have already secured spots in some European playoff stage, either in the Champions League or Europa League playoffs for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Europa Conference League or Europa League playoffs for Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem's participation in playoffs is not guaranteed but remains possible. Historically, Israeli teams involved in European playoffs have requested to delay their first league matches, which fall between their two European playoff games. According to the Israeli Football Association regulations, teams reaching European playoff stages have the right to postpone their opening league match. Maccabi Tel Aviv exercised this option in the past two seasons, as did Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be'er Sheva in recent years. This season, Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to face Hapoel Jerusalem, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva will play Hapoel Haifa in the opening round; both matches could be postponed if the teams request it. Additionally, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem face each other, so if either qualifies for playoffs, their match might also be delayed. This scenario could lead to a staggered league start, affecting the Premier League's early schedule.