The photo is symbolic (foto: pigac.si)
A planned friendly match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Israel set to take place in Sarajevo has been canceled due to security concerns.
The match was anticipated as part of the teams' preparations following their exit from the qualifiers for the European Championship. However, considering the potential risks involved, both the football associations and UEFA decided against proceeding with the match.
The decision reflects a cautious approach to ensuring the safety and security of all involved, given the geopolitical sensitivities and the potential for heightened tensions. The European Football Association (UEFA) had evaluated the security risks and advised both teams to reconsider the necessity of the match, especially since it held no significant competitive value. Ultimately, the Israeli team, which would have had to implement stringent security protocols for the visit, chose to call off the game.
This development comes in the wake of both teams' elimination from the additional qualifiers for the European Championship to be held in Germany. Bosnia and Herzegovina were ousted by Ukraine, while Israel fell to Iceland, marking the end of their campaign for the upcoming tournament.
Moshe Zuares, the president of the Israeli Football Association, expressed his regret over the cancellation, acknowledging the warm reception they would have likely received in Bosnia and Herzegovina but cited the current circumstances as the reason for his approval of the match's cancellation.
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