Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: UEFA, Europa League, Aston Villa
Marcus Chan
A Europa League clash involving Aston Villa could be under serious threat with UEFA reportedly set to take action.
Unai Emery, a four-time winner of the Europa League, is looking to lead Villa to glory in Europe in the 25/26 season.
During the league phase of the competition, the Premier League club will take on teams like Red Bull Salzburg, Feyenoord, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, BSC Young Boys, Basel, Bologna and Go Ahead Eagles.
However, it has recently been reported that Villa's clash against Israeli side Maccabi Tel-Aviv could be at risk, due to the ongoing war in the region.
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As reported by Press TV, UEFA are set to meet and vote on the matter this week, with Israeli clubs potentially facing a ban from all European football competitions.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv are set to take on PAOK FC this week in their Europa League opener and are scheduled to face Villa in November.
It has been suggested that UEFA have come under increasing pressure to take action against Israel, with the motion reportedly led by Qatar, one of the governing body's apparent financial backers.
However, The Times of Israel reported that the Israeli federation called the reports 'inaccurate'.
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Shlomi Barzel, head of communication for the Israel Football Association, has previously commented on the situation.
He said: "I’m surprised we’re still part of international tournaments. In many aspects, this is a miracle. Historically, countries have been suspended for much less.
"My estimation is that we will finish the current national teams event, but one more troublesome incident in Gaza, and everything can end in an instant."
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Back in the 21/22 season, Russian club Spartak Moscow were suspended by UEFA after the invasion of Ukraine.
At the time, Spartak Moscow were set to take on German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the Europa League round of 16.
As a result, Leipzig received a walkover straight in the last eight, where they faced Italian Serie A side Atalanta.