Let's bring Israel back to AFC

[sedee91]

https://news.sky.com/story/why-does-...urope-10359083

Hi Everyone,

I was thinking about how the current tensions are now with the country of Israel and nearly all of the Arab countries within the region, and with the peace treaties being signed, I think it would also make sense of having Israel back in the AFC. Sure, Iran, Palestine, and some other surrounding nations will not be happy about it, but so what. It truly does not make sense to have them as part of Europe, as stated in an old article from 2015 referenced above. Let's have them as part of AFC. What do you think?

[Adesor Vafaseya]

you are a genius!


Moved to International Sports Forum.

[Bladsville]

https://news.sky.com/story/why-does-...urope-10359083

Hi Everyone,

I was thinking about how the current tensions are now with the country of Israel and nearly all of the Arab countries within the region, and with the peace treaties being signed, I think it would also make sense of having Israel back in the AFC. Sure, Iran, Palestine, and some other surrounding nations will not be happy about it, but so what. It truly does not make sense to have them as part of Europe, as stated in an old article from 2015 referenced above. Let's have them as part of AFC. What do you think?

I think this is a really insensitive and ignorant way of looking at the problem. This isn't an issue that can be fixed with football over one night, this is literal bloodshed that has been going on for over 60 years. If they start including Israel in matches, you're going to have issues with terrorism, boycotting, rioting, etc. Also, I cant imagine the Palestinians playing against a country who they believe is ethnically cleansing them from their own homes.

Dont get me wrong, I think it would be fantastic if everyone got along and we could be all inclusive. Unfortunately, that part of the world is completely screwed and needs more work than a UAE/Israel (who werent really beefin to begin with) treaty before consistent football matches can happen amongst each other.

[PSGman#19]

Yes they can come back to AFC and we take their spot in uefa

[perspolis#1]

Absolutely not in our interest.

All it takes is for IR to refuse to play them once and AFC will ban us for 100 years.

No way.

[Nokhodi]

I actually would like to play them, but I don't think they want to move to AFC which will just regress their football.

[webmaster]

If Iran's political system changes, you never know. But as of now, no way it would happen.

[The]

To me it makes more sense to have Kazakastan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia in AFC than Israel or Cyprus.

[Nokhodi]

To me it makes more sense to have Kazakastan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia in AFC than Israel or Cyprus.

None of them want anything to do with AFC.
Kazakhstan used to be part of AFC and moved away despite their football being horrible at the time.

There is a perception (probably correct) amongst these countries that its perhaps better to be crappy in a halfway decent run confederation than to stay in a corrupt garbage place like the AFC. At least there is some room for growth and you compete among the best clubs and nations generally.

[sedee91]

If Iran's political system changes, you never know. But as of now, no way it would happen.

Hey Webmaster, you say like as if Iran has power or influence in AFC's matters. We are just a powerhouse on the continent. Sure, our nation helps AFC draw in some revenue and attention, but that doesn't mean that we can't be replaced.

But what can be interesting is this, have AFC and Europe combine and become Eurasia. The number of teams at the world cup has been extended, I can't see why we can't do this as well, since countries like Kazakstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Armenia have done this.

[Adesor Vafaseya]

There is a perception (probably correct) amongst these countries that its perhaps better to be crappy in a halfway decent run confederation than to stay in a corrupt garbage place like the AFC. At least there is some room for growth and you compete among the best clubs and nations generally.

I actually agree with their way of thinking. Better to be weak (in the beginning) in a strong league and be pushed out of no choice to get better and better, than playing in slow motion M.E. and learn grass rolling...
Turkey’s improvement is best example.
Your assessment is correct.

[The]

None of them want anything to do with AFC.
Kazakhstan used to be part of AFC and moved away despite their football being horrible at the time.

There is a perception (probably correct) amongst these countries that its perhaps better to be crappy in a halfway decent run confederation than to stay in a corrupt garbage place like the AFC. At least there is some room for growth and you compete among the best clubs and nations generally.

I understand your point, but I meant in a geographical/ cultural sense, it would make more sense for those nations to be considered Asian, rather than European (same goes for Turkey).

[Sepehr9]

None of them want anything to do with AFC.
Kazakhstan used to be part of AFC and moved away despite their football being horrible at the time.
There is a perception (probably correct) amongst these countries that its perhaps better to be crappy in a halfway decent run confederation than to stay in a corrupt garbage place like the AFC. At least there is some room for growth and you compete among the best clubs and nations generally.

You make a good point, that being said, i don't see any of them qualify for the European championship or the world cup. They have a better shot for the world cup now that there are more spots available but it is still going to be difficult for them. It's a shame Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbajian and Georgia want to compete in Europe instead of Asia, they are culturally much closer to Asia/Iran than any European country, and most importantly they would make Asian football much stronger!

Regarding Israel, thanks but no thanks, i wouldn't want that apartheid state with it's "glorious" history of 72 years (their so called country is as old as prince Charles) anywhere near Asian football.

[sedee91]

You make a good point, that being said, i don't see any of them qualify for the European championship or the world cup. They have a better shot for the world cup now that there are more spots available but it is still going to be difficult for them. It's a shame Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbajian and Georgia want to compete in Europe instead of Asia, they are culturally much closer to Asia/Iran than any European country, and most importantly they would make Asian football much stronger!

Regarding Israel, thanks but no thanks, i wouldn't want that apartheid state with it's "glorious" history of 72 years (their so called country is as old as prince Charles) anywhere near Asian football.

Would you rather have AFC to merge with OFC, and that would bring over New Zealand and other Oceanic Islands which would just make Asia less competitive in terms of strength. I think having Israel would be beneficial for everyone, because it's all sports here and no politics.

[GoIran]

I think New Zealand is as good as Israel.