Israeli Premier League Opening Matches May Be Postponed Due to European Playoff Commitments

Four Israeli football teams have reached the third qualifying round of European competitions, an exceptional achievement that could impact the Israeli Premier League schedule. Three of the first round matches in the domestic league may be postponed, reducing the opening round to only four games. The reason is that Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Maccabi Tel Aviv have already secured spots in some European playoff rounds, either in the Champions League or Europa League playoffs. Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv and Beitar Jerusalem's playoff participation is not guaranteed but remains possible.

Historically, Israeli teams involved in European playoffs often request to delay their first league match, which falls between two European fixtures. According to the Israeli Football Association regulations, teams reaching European playoff stages have the right to postpone their opening Premier League game. Maccabi Tel Aviv has exercised this option in the past two seasons, and Maccabi Haifa and Hapoel Be'er Sheva have done so in recent years as well.

In the upcoming season, Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to face Hapoel Jerusalem, and Hapoel Be'er Sheva will play against Maccabi 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, and if either qualifies for European playoffs, their match may also be delayed. This scenario could lead to a staggered start for the Israeli Premier League season depending on the European competition outcomes.