Israel- Blue 2016/18 Taleb Tawatha #13 (Israel vs. Argentina)

This is a Taleb Tawatha match issued shirt that was prepared for the controversial Israel match against Argentina that was scheduled for June 9, 2018 at Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem, but was later cancelled due to political pressures. The shirt is very unique as it contains match details; something that had never featured on the Israeli shirt for a friendly match. Tawatha has played in 13 matches for the Israeli national team and scored 1 goal in the friendly vs Guatemala played on November 15, 2018.

The match had been very publicized as it was supposed to be Argentina's final preparation match before the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Tickets had sold out within the first 30 minutes after being released to the general public and rumor was that second hand tickets were selling for over 600 NIS ($166). The match was originally supposed to be played at the Sami Offer Stadium in Haifa, but as a result of political intervention, the match was moved to Jerusalem. Prior to the match, many protests occurred calling for the friendly to be cancelled,  including severe threats and warnings sent directly to some of the Argentinian players. A few days before the match, the Argentinian FA decided to pull out of the friendly and were later obligated to pay the Israeli FA compensation.

While the match didn't occur, the players' shirts had been prepared weeks in advance. This would've been Israel's final match playing in an adidas kit, as they announced their switch to Puma the following month.


 Tawatha and Eran Levy look in disappointment after losing the match against Romania
Tawatha and his teammates run to celebrate after Hemed's goal


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