New chairman for Team GB

Initially they will also oversee futsal though it is hoped that the sport will become an independent entity with its own chair as its popularity grows in the UK. The criteria for futsal will be open, in keeping with other sports, and will have its own independent selection process.

Lee and Solomons will start the process to appoint managers/coaches for the forthcoming competitions immediately.

Maccabi GB has also announced the qualification criteria for the European Games (Vienna 2011) for 11-a-side Junior, Open and Masters football:

Player qualification for Football (Effective from 1st December 2009):

In order to avoid any confusion the Maccabi GB Chair and Board of Directors hereby sets down the minimum standards for selection as follows:-

· Players (Men’s and Masters) will only be eligible if they play at least 70% of the games available over a 2 season period (from December 2009 through to May 2011) in one of the Maccabi Leagues i.e. MSFL, MJSL, MMFL or MSPFL, or play for a club which is affiliated to Maccabi GB. All players must maintain the required percentage of games even beyond their selection for one of the teams. Players will also be eligible if they are in full time education (i.e. university) during the 2010/11 season and are based outside of Manchester or London. If they are at university in one of these cities, they have the opportunity to play within the Maccabi system.

· In the case of Juniors, because the MSPFL does not provide for an over 15 football league, players will only be eligible if they play at least 70% of the games available over a 2 season period (from December 2009 through to May 2011) for a club which is affiliated to Maccabi GB. All players must maintain the required percentage of games even beyond their selection for one of the teams. The qualification for this event will be will be players born in the years 1995/1996. (i.e. maximum age of 16 at date of Games).

· Futsal - As Futsal is being treated as an independent sport, eligibility is open to anyone who wishes to apply as per all other European Maccabi Games Sports.

· In exceptional circumstances Maccabi GB will give dispensation where, for example, either prior to or once selected, a player sustains a genuine injury and is, as a result of such injury, unable to maintain the required quota of games. Maccabi GB also reserve the right to exclude individuals they think unsuitable for these event.