UEFA Cup games moved from Israel

UEFA have instructed Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv to play their upcoming UEFA Cup qualifying games outside Israel, indicating Liverpool could also be spared from playing in the war-torn country.

Next week's games will be staged in a neutral country, news which looks set to be followed by a similar decision regarding Liverpool's Champions League qualifier against Maccabi Haifa later this month.

Liverpool are keen to play the second leg of their match against Maccabi away from Israel, where the security situation is so precarious there would be fears for the safety of players and supporters.

They will not learn until August 7 whether their wish is to be granted.

However UEFA have already opted to tell Hapoel Tel-Aviv they must face Slovenian side NK Domzale away from Israel on August 8, and to instruct Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv they must also find a new venue for their match against Lokomotiv Sofia on August 10.

Liverpool's trip to Haifa, for the Champions League third qualifying round second leg, is scheduled for August 22/23.