Security worries cloud Liverpool's Israel trip
Red Star, Dinamo Zagreb likely opponents for Milan, Arsenal
Former European champions Liverpool were drawn to play Maccabi Haifa of Israel in the third qualifying round of the Champions League yesterday, raising immediate security concerns for the English club.
Because of the security situation in Israel resulting from the conflict in Lebanon UEFA have written to the Israeli FA asking for added safety assurances for clubs due to play there. The match will definitely not take place in Haifa, which is close to the conflict zone, but may go ahead in Tel Aviv or be moved to a neutral country.
The first leg is set for Anfield on Aug. 8 or 9 with Haifa at home in the second on either Aug. 22 or 23.
Haifa president Jacob Schachar told Sky Sports News that he understood Liverpool's concerns, but added: "There are many Liverpool fans in Israel and I hope the match can go ahead.
"We would love the match to be in Haifa but it could go ahead in Tel Aviv which is quiet."
UEFA spokesman Rob Faulkner said the situation was being closely monitored and a decision would be taken nearer the time.
International soccer returned to Israel in April 2004 after a 25-month suspension due to a worsening of the security situation in the country. Matches can only be played in the Tel Aviv area.
Between March 2002 and April 2004 Israeli teams had to host opponents at a number of European venues including Cyprus, Turkey, Italy and Bulgaria.
Milan, another former winner in the qualifying round, will face either Cork City of Ireland or former champions Red Star Belgrade if UEFA decides next week that Milan can compete in the competition.
They are more likely to play Red Star who hold a 1-0 first leg lead from the first leg in Ireland but Milan's place has not yet been verified by UEFA because of their involvement in a match-fixing scandal.
Arsenal, beaten in last season's final, are likely to face Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia who have a 4-1 first leg led over Ekranas of Lithuania in their second qualifying round tie.
The second qualifying round will be completed next week. The 16 winners of the third qualifying round ties will advance to the group stage of the competition where they will join the 16 automatic qualifiers.
The group stage begins on September 12/13 with the final in Athens on May 23 next year.