Senior government officials are meeting to discuss the controversial ban on Israeli fans attending the upcoming football match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Aston Villa in Birmingham. The city's Safety Advisory Group, supported by local police, cited previous violent incidents involving Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters as the reason for the ban, sparking widespread political condemnation. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other party leaders have called the decision wrong and unacceptable, urging efforts to reverse it, while some independent MPs have welcomed the move as necessary for public safety.

The ban has led to a heated debate over whether it is a safety measure or a political statement, with football authorities and club representatives expressing concern about its implications. UEFA has urged UK authorities to ensure Israeli fans can attend, and Maccabi Tel Aviv's chief executive questioned the necessity of the ban, highlighting the team's experience in other countries. Government ministers are now working with the Home Office and stakeholders to find a possible resolution, as the controversy continues to draw national attention.