Aston Villa’s Europa League fixture in major doubt ahead of crucial UEFA vote

Aston Villa are due to face Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Europa League next month, but the fixture is in major doubt amid the ongoing conflict in the region

Aston Villa’s Europa League campaign has hit a snag, with their match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv hanging in the balance. The Midlands side were set to face off against the Israeli team in this season’s league stage.

The two teams are scheduled to meet at Villa Park on November 6. However, the fixture is now shrouded in uncertainty. According to Press TV, UEFA is due to convene and vote on the issue of the regional conflict in the coming week. This could potentially result in a ban for Israeli clubs amid the ongoing strife.

It’s unclear whether any substitute teams would be drafted into the competition if such a ban were implemented. In the 2021/22 season, Russian outfit Spartak Moscow was suspended, leading to RB Leipzig being given a bye as the teams were due to clash in the knockout stages.

READ MORE: Unai Emery tipped to replace Ruben Amorim at Man Utd after bombshell Aston Villa exitREAD MORE: What impact Monchi’s exit has on Unai Emery at Aston Villa

Shlomi Barzel, the Israel Football Association’s head of communication, has previously hinted at the possibility of a ban. He stated: “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.”

Aston Villa will be keeping a close eye on the situation as they gear up to kick off their latest European campaign. Unai Emery’s squad are set to begin their league stage fixtures against Italian outfit Bologna this week.

They’re also lined up to take on Feyenoord, Go Ahead Eagles, Young Boys, Basel, Fenerbahce and Red Bull Salzburg. Villa are eager to get their campaign off the ground following a sluggish start to the season under Emery.

Who will win the Europa League this season? Share your predictions in the comments below

Villa have yet to secure a win, with just one Premier League goal to their name this season. Speaking after his team’s draw with Sunderland at the weekend, Emery admitted: “We are not playing like I want.

“Of course we have to adapt some players in our structure and we will need time with them, but other players, they know how we want to try to control the game with the ball; it’s with the ball, more than without the ball.

“We were conceding a lot of chances, chances starting with their goalkeeper. Long balls, second actions, corners in our box. And of course, like that, we are conceding chances.

“I told them the same thing I am telling you. We have to recover our identity. Of course, we have to try to recover our personality, confidence and personality to play. I am frustrated for how we played, how we are not feeling comfortable with our style.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.