Jerusalem soccer club seeks to change name to honor Trump

Israeli soccer club Beitar Jerusalem is seeking to change its name to honor President Trump and his decision to move the U.S. embassy to the city. 

“The chairmen of the club, the owner Eli Tabib and the executive manager Eli Ohana have decided to add to the club’s title the name of the American President who made history, and from now on will be called Beitar Trump Jerusalem. We have the greatest love for the president, and we will win,” the club said in a statement, according to The Jerusalem Post. 

{mosads}”For 70 years, Jerusalem has been awaiting international recognition, until President Donald Trump, in a courageous move, recognized Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Israel. President Trump has shown courage and true love of the Israeli people and their capital, and these days other countries are following his lead in giving Jerusalem its rightful status,” the statement continued. 

“The football club Beitar Jerusalem, one of the most prominent symbols of the city, is happy to honor the president for his love and support with a gesture of our own.”

The name-change has not become official, according to the Post. The Israel Football Association must still approve the change. Meanwhile, according to the news outlet, Donald Trump has been a registered trademark in Israel for roughly a decade, meaning the club could be sued if it goes through with the name-change. 

The new U.S. embassy in Jerusalem is set to open on Monday, coinciding with Israel’s Independence Day. 

While popular with Israelis, the move has been met with wide opposition and skepticism from the international community.

Israelis see the ancient city as their capital — sentiments Trump echoed in December with his decision to relocate the U.S. embassy there — while Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.