csconstantine.com

NYON, Switzerland (AP)—Israeli organizers of the 2013 Under-21 European Championship have promised UEFA the safest possible tournament.

Ori Shilo, chief executive of Israel’s football federation, says the country’s skill and experience in dealing with security issues makes it “probably the best and most safe place to host a sports event.”

When Middle East tension grew in 2002-03, UEFA ordered Israel’s national and club teams to play international home matches abroad for safety reasons.

Shilo reassured UEFA members before the qualifying groups were drawn Thursday, one week after Israel got hosting rights.

The eight-nation final tournament is scheduled June 2013.

Matches will be played in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Netanya and Petah Tikva.

Labels: Israel, promises, tournament