Ofer Eini will focus on youth development after being appointed chairman of the Israel FA.

Eini succeeds Avi Luzon who served two terms in the position, but will remain active in football as a member of Uefa’s 15-man Executive Committee.

Having stepped down as head of Israel’s powerful Histadrut Trade Union movement earlier this year, Eini stood unopposed in the elections.

He said that he hopes to rebuild Israeli football. “My priorities are building a youth academy, connecting more children to football, instilling belief in Israeli football, dealing with violence and racism among football fans, increasing transparency and reducing the Israel FA’s financial deficit.”

Luzon has been criticised by Sports Minister Limor Livnat for poor administration of the game, but he insists the past seven years have been successful, with the completion of new stadiums in Haifa, Petah Tikva and Netanya, and the successful staging of the European under-21 Championships last summer.