Senior government officials are in talks today to reverse a ban on Maccabi Tel Aviv fans for the Europa League fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park on November 6.
Yesterday Aston Villa released a statement saying no visiting fans from Israel would be allowed to attend following an instruction from the Safety Advisory Group.
The news provoked widespread criticism with Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the decision "wrong" and Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch labelling it "a national disgrace".
Starmer has now intervened and tasked Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy with finding a resolution.
"Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is meeting officials to discuss what more can be done to try and find a way through to resolve this, and what more can be done to allow fans to attend the game safely," said a Downing Street spokesperson.
"The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed, spoke to the local council this morning, and the Home Office is urgently working to support police to try and find a way through this."
Downing Street sources add talks are happening "at pace" and further updates are expected today. There is now a strong chance Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters will now be able to attend the match.
High risk
General view of Villa Park
General view of Villa Park
West Midlands police said on Thursday the fixture is “high-risk” and cited violence that took place during last year's Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax which led to 62 arrests.
The Jewish Leadership Council responded, calling the ban on away fans "perverse", adding: "Aston Villa should face the consequences of this decision and the match should be played behind closed doors."
UEFA declined to comment on specifics but said travelling fans should be able to support their team in a "safe, secure and welcoming environment".
Maccabi Tel Aviv remain in dialogue with Aston Villa and are waiting to hear on the outcome of today's fast-moving government-led talks.
The two teams are due to go head-to-head in the Europa League clash on Thursday, November 6, so there is plenty of time for a resolution to be found. Villa take on Go Ahead Eagles in the same competition before that, with that fixture scheduled for Thursday, October 23.
Villa have a 100% record from their opening two games in the competition, having yet to concede a goal.