Israel government’s most important security body, Mossad, has warned Ghana coach Avram Grant not to travel for Sunday’s crucial World Cup qualifier in Egypt insisting the journey is dangerous for the Israeli, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.
The Jewish state’s most feared security body says the Israeli coach’s trip with the Black Stars to Alexandria on Saturday for the Group E qualifier on poses a threat on his life.
Security fears for the Ghana coach have come to the fore because of the age-long tensions between Arabs and Israelis ahead of the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Reports have emerged from Egypt that some fans are planning to attack the Israeli coach when the Black Stars arrive in Alexandria – a city noted for anger over Israel’s relationship with Palestine.
As a result of this heads of Israel’s security apparatus have been meeting over the past seven days to examine the situation before giving their blessing to Grant to travel for the game.
Following Thursday night’s final meeting, the heads of Israeli security bodies have unanimously concluded that Grant MUST NOT travel for the match in Alexandria.
The report has also been corroborated by Israel’s biggest sports newspapers One who have an extensive report about the fears.
Top security officials refused to respond to the newspaper’s inquiry about Grant’s trip and refused to provide information due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
Mossad officials also refused to comment to the One newspaper on whether there is recommendation of sending special agents to reinforce Grant’s security.
The Egypt FA says it has contacted the country’s interior ministry to provide maximum security for the travelling Ghana team because of the concerns.
EFA has assured Avram Grant he will not be discriminated against as he will be treated like any other foreigner without regard for his nationality.
According to EFA executive director Tharwat Sweilam, Grant’s nationality will not matter when the two sides clash Egypt on November 13 at Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.
Egypt host Ghana in their second Group E game at Borg El-Arab stadium in Alexandria.
Victory will put the Pharaohs five points clear of the Black Stars, their main challengers in the group that also includes Congo and Uganda.
Mossad is the short for ‘HaMossad leModi?in uleTafkidim Meyu?adim’ meaning “Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations”), is the national intelligence agency of Israel.
It is one of the main entities in the Israeli Intelligence Community, along with Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security).
Mossad is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and counter-terrorism, as well as bringing Jews to Israel from countries where official Aliyah agencies are forbidden, and protecting Jewish communities.
Its director reports directly to the Prime Minister.
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