European soccer governing body UEFA is considering a vote to suspend Israel’s membership over the conflict in Gaza, according to sources familiar with the matter. A majority of UEFA’s executive committee members are likely to support the suspension of Israeli teams from participating in international competitions, including the upcoming World Cup. This move would impact both Israeli national and club teams, preventing them from taking part in the World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy.
The stance of world soccer body FIFA on excluding Israel remains uncertain, given the close relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s backing in securing the World Cup and facilitating visa processes for players and fans is crucial for FIFA’s successful organization of the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico next year.
Efforts to bar Israel from international sports events have gained traction in recent weeks due to concerns over the humanitarian impact of its military actions in Gaza. Calls for suspension have been echoed by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and independent experts working with the U.N. Human Rights Council, urging FIFA and UEFA to take action against Israel.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has shown a tougher stance on Israel following incidents where banners protesting the conflict were displayed during matches. Despite the mounting pressure, Israeli officials, including Sports and Culture Minister Miki Zohar and Soccer Federation President Moshe Zuares, are reportedly working behind the scenes to prevent Israel’s suspension from UEFA.
The decision to exclude Russia from international sports in 2022 was influenced by reluctance from UEFA member federations to compete against Russian teams. While no European national or club team has refused to play against an Israeli opponent, concerns have been raised by soccer leaders in Norway and Italy. The Norwegian soccer federation has pledged to donate profits from an upcoming game to humanitarian work in Gaza.
Key UEFA executive committee members, such as Italy’s Gabriele Gravina and Norway’s Lise Klaveness, along with Israeli Soccer Federation President Moshe Zuares and Qatari government member Nasser Al-Khelaifi, could have a say in the potential suspension of Israel. Tensions between Israel and Qatar escalated after an Israeli airstrike in Doha, prompting reactions within the soccer community.
In light of these developments, the discussion on whether to ban Israel from international sports events continues to unfold, drawing attention to the ongoing criticism and isolation faced by Israel over its military actions in response to the conflict in Gaza.