(JTA) — An Iranian soccer team canceled a game against a Serbian club because its coach is Israeli.
Avram Grant, who last month was named manager of the Partizan Belgrade soccer club, said in a statement on the team’s website that he had been told "unofficially" that Friday’s match against Sepahan Isfahan in Turkey had been canceled because he was Israeli, ESPN reported. Grant called the decision "shameful."
The team reportedly had to switch its winter training camp from Dubai to Antalya, Turkey, because Grant is Israeli.
Grant was formerly the manager for British soccer clubs Chelsea, Portsmouth and West Ham United.
