Aston Villa's Europa League fixture may be cancelled with UEFA 'set to vote'

Aston Villa face fresh uncertainty regarding their Europa League campaign, with their fixture against Maccabi Tel-Aviv now hanging in the balance. The Premier League club were paired with the Israeli side in the league phase of this season's tournament.

The two teams are scheduled to meet at Villa Park on November 6. However, the match is already under serious threat. According to Press TV, UEFA are preparing to convene a meeting and ballot on the matter of the regional conflict within the coming week.

A possible suspension for Israeli clubs could be implemented due to the continuing hostilities.

It is unclear whether any substitute teams would be brought into the tournament should such a prohibition be imposed.

Russian outfit Spartak Moscow faced suspension during the 2021/22 campaign, with RB Leipzig receiving a bye when the clubs were due to clash in the knockout phase.

Shlomi Barzel, head of communication for the Israel Football Association, has previously voiced concerns that a ban might be imminent.

He said: "I'm surprised we're still part of international tournaments. In many aspects, this is a miracle. Historically, countries have been suspended for much less.

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"My estimation is that we will finish the current national teams event, but one more troublesome incident in Gaza, and everything can end in an instant."

Aston Villa will undoubtedly be monitoring the situation closely as they gear up to launch their latest European adventure.

Unai Emery's squad begin their league phase encounters against Italian outfit Bologna this week.

They are also set to take on Feyenoord, Go Ahead Eagles, Young Boys, Basel, Fenerbahce and Red Bull Salzburg.

Villa will be eager to ignite their campaign following a sluggish beginning under Emery.

Villa remain without a victory thus far, having managed just one Premier League goal throughout the entire season.

Following his team's draw with Sunderland at the weekend, Emery said: "We are not playing like I want.

"Of course we have to adapt some players in our structure and we will need time with them, but other players, they know how we want to try to control the game with the ball; it's with the ball, more than without the ball.

"We were conceding a lot of chances, chances starting with their goalkeeper. Long balls, second actions, corners in our box. And of course, like that, we are conceding chances.

"I told them the same thing I am telling you. We have to recover our identity. Of course, we have to try to recover our personality, confidence and personality to play. I am frustrated for how we played, how we are not feeling comfortable with our style."