UAE Owner Of Israeli Club Says ‘Door Open’ To Arab Players

2
Beitar Jerusalem FC soccer team practices in Jerusalem, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, a day after the club announced that Emirati Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, has purchased a 50% stake in the team. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

JERUSALEM (AP) — The Emirati businessman who has bought a stake in the controversial Israeli soccer club Beitar Jerusalem said on Tuesday that “the door is open” to adding Arab players to its roster.

Join our WhatsApp group

Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


Beitar has gained notoriety for a small core of hardcore fans known for shouting racist epithets. It is the only major Israeli club never to have had an Arab player.

Asked about his plans for the team, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, told a news conference that “the door is open” to all players, regardless of of their religion or background. He says he wants to set an example that Jews and Muslims can work together.

The team announced on Monday that Al Nahyan had bought a 50% stake in the club and pledged to invest some $90 million in the coming decade.


Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


Connect with VINnews

Join our WhatsApp group


2 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Kibechabatachnu
Kibechabatachnu
3 years ago

YOU see what happens when you befriend the goyim, they end up influencing you and pushing you around. That’s why yaakov aveinu told eisov I will travel alone and not with him.