LONDON (Reuters) -- Two Euro 2008 Group A matches between Armenia and
Azerbaijan have been cancelled, with both countries losing the six qualifying
points available, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Saturday.
The neighboring countries have been involved in a long-running dispute
over land. Armenia wanted the games played on a normal home and away basis
but Azerbaijan refused to host the Armenians and proposed a neutral ground
for both matches.
"As no suitable compromise could be found between the two associations
it was decided to cancel the two matches, namely Azerbaijan-Armenia scheduled
for Sept. 8 and Armenia-Azerbaijan scheduled for Sept. 12," UEFA
said in a statement following a meeting of its executive committee in
the Netherlands.
"It was decided to award both associations zero points for the matches."
Ukraine, Switzerland, Austria and Spain had been mentioned as possible
neutral venues for the games but this was not agreeable to either side.
Azerbaijan are bottom of the group with five points from eight matches,
while Armenia have seven points from seven outings. Poland lead the group
with 19 points from nine games.
Portugal, Serbia, Finland, Belgium and Kazakhstan make up the rest of
the group.
SUSPENSION LIFTED
UEFA also decided at its meeting in the Dutch town of Heerenveen to lift
the ban on Israeli clubs hosting opponents in European competition outside
the Tel Aviv area.
"The executive reviewed the security situation in Israel and agreed
to allow matches to be played not only in the Tel Aviv area but also in
internationally recognised stadiums outside the region, namely Haifa,
Jerusalem and Ashdod," UEFA said.
UEFA imposed a ban on Israel hosting matches in 2004, following a deterioration
of the security situation, which lasted two years before being partially
lifted.
The latest relaxation will allow Beitar Jerusalem to play their Champions
League qualifying round opponents in Jerusalem while Maccabi Haifa can
host Intertoto Cup matches at their home ground in the northern port city.
Israel's national team will be little affected by the lifting of the ban
since they play all official matches at the National Stadium in Tel Aviv
with only the occasional friendly taking place away from the centre of
the country.
