Israel FA: Sabbath row could see football matches scrapped

Israel's football association is threatening to cancel league matches unless the government reverses a recent decision banning games on the Sabbath, Judaism's holy day.

Some league games have been played on Saturday afternoons, when much of the country has already shut down due to the weekly holy day.

That was thrown into jeopardy when a labour tribunal, citing several professional players who are observant Jews, ruled in August that matches on the Sabbath were illegal.

Eitan Dotan, the Israeli FA spokesman, told AFP that "if the government denies us authorisation to play on the Sabbath, all matches, including the national league and youth championships, will be cancelled until further notice from September 12."

Barring government action, the ruling officially enters into effect on that date.
The federation says authorities have always allowed league games to take place on the Sabbath, which runs from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday.

"It all depends on Economy Minister Aryeh Deri, who has sole authority to grant exemptions to activities permitted on the Sabbath," Dotan said.

Deri, from the  ultra-orthodox Shass party, said this week that "we need to take into account footballers who refuse to play on the Sabbath and find a solution which could include playing matches on Sunday, for example."

But Dotan said holding too many matches on Sunday was untenable as most fans would be back at work by then.

"This isn't about declaring war on religion, but about allowing a large number of Israelis to continue to enjoy family fun during their only day off," he said.

Judaism bars working on the Sabbath, though there are many activities permitted as exceptions.
Source: AFP