Druze footballer
Weeam Amasha (Arabic: وئام عماشة, Hebrew: וויאם עמאשה; born 8 August 1985) is a Golan Heights-born Druze footballer.[2]
Early life
Amasha is a Druze from the village Buq'ata, Golan Heights.[3] He holds no official citizenship but rather an Israeli Travel Document. With special permission from FIFA, Amasha played for Israel despite having received interest from the Syrian Football Association. When Amasha goes to a match abroad he is required to get a visa for any country since he doesn't hold a real passport.
Club career
On 7 June 20, 2011 Amasha signed a four-year contract with Israeli defending champion Maccabi Haifa. Amasha made his debut on 2011–12 UEFA Champions League Second qualifying round, 13 July 2011, against Borac Banja Luka and scored three goals.
International career
After catching the eye of Israel national team manager, Luis Fernández, Amasha was thought to be on his way to making a full national team appearance.[4] Due to changes in FIFA statutes, Amasha can not represent the full national team without acquiring an Israeli passport. On 30 November 2011, FIFA granted Amasha special permission to play without a passport for the Israel national team.[4]
Honours
Ironi Kiryat Shmona
Maccabi Haifa
References