FIFA lifts ban on Israel coach

Luis Fernandez given go-ahead to coach national soccer team for European Championship qualifiers after settling debt he owned to club in Qatar

Associated Press|Published: 03.08.11 , 14:24

FIFA has lifted its suspension of Israel national team coach Luis Fernandez.

Fernandez was suspended by soccer’s governing body last month because he had not obeyed a November 2009 disciplinary committee ruling regarding a long-standing debt he owed to a club in Qatar.

The debt has now been settled, and FIFA said Fernandez has been given the go-ahead to coach the team this month for the European Championship qualifiers.

Responding to the decision, Fernandez said: “I arranged things with FIFA so that I can be with my team. Now everyone has to have one aim, to get six points from the upcoming two games against Latvia and Georgia.”