Suspension would not stop the Middle East country from playing in European World Cup qualifying matches
Uefa is facing increased pressure to ban Israel from its footballing competitions, although it may be unable to prevent the country from taking part in World Cup qualifying matches.
The European governing body is being urged to put proposals to its executive committee to exclude Israeli teams from competitions under its jurisdiction.
This would mean that Israeli national teams would be banned from the Nations League while Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv would also be banned from the Europa League.
Any such suspension would require a simple majority among Uefa’s 19-member board and, according to The Guardian, insiders believe it is likely to pass.
However, World Cup qualifying matches fall under Fifa’s authority. Uefa organises the format and fixtures for European nations but any decision to exclude Israel would need Fifa’s approval.
Sources suggest Uefa has decided not to act unilaterally due to concerns over the political fallout, especially with the US opposing any move that could bar Israel from the 2026 tournament. Fifa President Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump have a close relationship.
Israel are set to face Italy and Norway in the qualifying matches in October’s international break, with campaigners in both countries already calling for the games to be boycotted.
Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina, who serves on Uefa’s executive committee, is not in favour of his country boycotting the game, saying it will only help Israel’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup.
Norway is understood to be among the countries pressing for an extraordinary meeting of Uefa’s board to put the proposal for a ban to a vote and resolve the matter quickly.
If a ban is agreed, Uefa would still have to organise Israel’s World Cup qualifying fixtures, including appointing officials and arranging security for matches. Israel’s home games are currently being played in Hungary due to the situation in the Middle East.
