Chelsea FC Women to play friendly with Israeli team in Tel Aviv

Chelsea FC Women will fly to Tel Aviv this summer to face the Israeli women’s team in a pre-season friendly, it has been revealed today.

The match, which is sponsored by Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and the Israeli FA, will be held on August 20 at Ha-Moshava Stadium.

Coming on the heels of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, it aims to achieve greater visibility for the women’s game while preparing Chelsea FC for the Super League season.

Chelsea FC Chairman Bruce Buck said: ‘We are delighted to be taking the team to Israel this summer to play the Women’s national team.

“As well as a challenging part of our pre-season, this match will help raise the profile of women’s football.

“Our commitment to women’s football is driven by our owner, Mr. Roman Abramovich, who is passionate about supporting the team and promoting the sport.

“We hope that our visit to Israel will not only be a special moment for our Israeli fans and our players, but also help to grow the game in the country.”

Rotem Kamer, general secretary of the Israel Football Association, added: “The arrival of Chelsea Women for a friendly match in Israel is an excellent opportunity to place the focus on female football, certainly when such a leading team pays a visit.

“The contribution of Chelsea, led by owner Roman Abramovich, to the fight against antisemitism and the promotion of equality and tolerance is well known and we see the match as a combined effort in achieving important social goals.”

While in Israel, the Chelsea Foundation will be working with a number of charities promoting women’s sports and supporting girls’ grassroots football.

Abramovich, who was granted Israeli citizenship in May, announced last week his intention to donate £3.9m to the Jewish Agency for Israel in a bit to tackle Jew-hate.

He also played a leading role in the club’s “Say No to antisemitism” campaign, attending a charity match in Boston against New England Revolution, which was organised after the Tree of Life synagogue shooting claimed the lives of 11 congregants.