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Sports News of Thursday, 4 December 2014

Source: starrfmonline.com

Grant: I’ll have no issue with my Israeli passport

New Ghana coach Avram Grant has assured that he can travel to any country despite holding an Israeli passport.

Concerns have been raised by Ghanaians that since Israel has issues with some Arabic-speaking countries - about 20 countries refuse admission to Israeli passport holders – the 59-year-old could be barred from entering those countries when the Black Stars have a game there.

Countries with restriction on Israeli passport holders include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Sudan, Libya, Malaysia and the UAE among others.

Speaking during his media unveiling Thursday in Accra, the former West Ham and Portsmouth manager said: “I don’t see any problem over this. I will be happy to go to any country that will invite me. I’m proud to be an Israeli and proud to be in Ghana.”

He said since football is a “universal language” and Fifa rules absolve sportsmen from politics there is no cause for alarm. “I don't think I would be judged on my passport. I will be judged on football.”

Meanwhile, an FA executive member Fred Crentsil has given the assurance that they have “made concrete plans and Grant can travel to any country; I can assure you.”

Grant’s first assignment with the four-time African champions is at the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 in Equatorial Guinea from January 18 to February 7.