Maccabi face Maltese side in Champions League qualifier

Israeli champions Maccabi Tel Aviv have been drawn against Maltese side Hibernians FC as they bid to reach the main draw of next season’s UEFA Champions League.

The Israelis travel to Malta for the first match of their two-legged second qualifying round tie, with the games to be played on 14/15 July, and the return in Israel a week later on 21/22 July. Should they get through the tie, they will then have to win a third qualifying round match, followed by a play-off tie, which would then see them qualify for the group stage of the competition.

The draw for the qualifying rounds of the Europa League was also made. In the second qualifying round draw, Hapoel Beer Sheva take on Swiss side FC Thun, while Beitar Jerusalem will meet either Kazakhstan side Ordabasy Shymkent or Belgian side R Charleroi. The ties take place on 16 and 23 July.