UEFA President Michel Platini said that Israel could host a European-level soccer tournament in the future. "If there will be better stadiums, you will definitely be able to host tournaments in the next few years," Platini said at a news conference with Israel soccer federation chairman Avi Luzon. Speaking during a meeting with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Platini also suggested that soccer could bridge rifts in the Middle East. Soccer promotes "peace, tolerance and friendship," Platini said. Israel has been a UEFA member since 1994 and has hosted a European tournament once — the UEFA under-17 championships in 2000. Israeli teams have begun to advance in European club competitions in recent years, with Maccabi Haifa making its second appearance in the Champions League this season.