FAI and Swiss FA seek hundreds of tickets for qualifiers in Tel Aviv

THE FAI and their Swiss counterparts have asked for hundreds of tickets for their fans for their World Cup qualifiers in Tel Aviv.

Israeli FA spokesman Shaul Eisenberg said the Swiss FA was anticipating some 400 supporters with its team for the clash at Tel Aviv’s 45,000-seat National Stadium in October. The FAI want 600 tickets for their fans for the match, which will take place at the same venue in March, 2005.

“They have been in touch and we are ready to welcome hundreds of fans from Switzerland and Ireland,” said Eisenberg.

The interest shown was a welcome change following two years during which security fears forced UEFA to impose a ban on international games in the country, Eisenberg said.

The ban was lifted in April after UEFA decided fears of attacks by Palestinian militants were no longer a threat to visiting teams and fans, though matches are confined to Tel Aviv.