[Boycott - Sports]

Arsenal delays Israel ad campaign

European Jewish Press (EJP)
12 September 2006

Advertising campaign will be postpone for fear of receiving negative reactions due to war

The Israeli tourism ministry has delayed the start of its advertising campaign with English football club Arsenal for fear of receiving negative reactions due to the recent war with Lebanese group Hizbullah.

The 515,000 euros deal was announced amid a mass of publicity in February this year. At a press conference in Tel Aviv, Arsenal’s managing director Keith Edelman said Israel would be the club’s “official and exclusive travel destination.�

But as the English football season began on August 19, just days after the war between Israel and Hizbullah ended, it was agreed by both parties to wait about a month before launching the adverts.

Arsenal are one of the most popular English soccer teams, with their matches in the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League watched by millions of viewers all round the world. Last season they got to the final of the Champions League, losing out to Spanish side Barcelona.

Perimeter advertising

When the deal was launched it was announced that the campaign will include advertisements around the perimeter of the pitch at Arsenal’s newly opened Emirates Stadium in north London as well as advertising on screens inside the arena and banners on the club’ website.

However a spokesman for the tourism ministry told EJP that although the deal was not canceled, it had been postponed.

“The agreement is still on and nothings changed,� the spokesman said. “It was decided it will take place later. It was a mutual decision because of the situation in the north. It is expected to start in September.�

Source: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3302944,00.html

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