Israeli soccer team wants to change name to honor Trump, show 'greatest love for the president

A soccer club in Israel wants to change its name to honor President Donald Trump for the steps he's taken to recognize Jerusalem as the "eternal capital" of the nation, the Jerusalem Post reported.

"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 club said in a statement.

What's the story?

Trump made the decision to officially recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and to move the U.S. Embassy there from Tel Aviv, in December.

The embassy opened Monday in Jerusalem, and despite violent and deadly protests against the move by Palestinian opposition, the move is cause for celebration in Israel.

"Last December, President Trump became the first world leader to recognize Jerusalem as our capital, and today, the United States of America is opening its embassy right here in Jerusalem," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. "Thank you, President Trump, for having the courage to keep your promises."

As part of the celebration, Israeli soccer club Beitar Jerusalem announced its intention to add "Trump" to its name for his contributions to the nation.

"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," read the team's statement.

Can they do that?

There are a few hurdles to clear before the team's name can be made official.

The Israel Football Association will have to approve the name change, and the Post called that process "far from straightforward."

Trump's name has been a registered trademark in Israel for a decade, so if the team tries to use his name without permission it could face legal issues.

(H/T: The Hill)