Tel aviv: Israel's clubs and national teams could face suspension by UEFA next week, the PA news agency understands. The potential suspension comes amid growing international criticism over Israel's actions in Gaza, following the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas inside Israel.
According to Ghana News Agency, plans are underway to hold an extraordinary meeting of UEFA's executive committee to discuss this issue, although no firm schedule has been set. Israel, a full member of UEFA since 1994, may find itself facing action from UEFA's member associations, who seem to support the suspension.
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, has long advocated for Israel's suspension. He is scheduled to meet with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and IOC president Kirsty Coventry next week. Rajoub expressed to TV2 in Norway that Israel should not participate in UEFA or FIFA-regulated matches due to violations of principles and FIFA's statutes.
The potential suspension of Israel poses a political dilemma for FIFA, especially given its president Gianni Infantino's close ties with US President Donald Trump. The US, co-hosting next year's World Cup, has voiced opposition to any ban on Israel's national soccer team.
Israel is currently third in its World Cup qualifying group, trailing Norway and Italy, and has one club, Maccabi Tel Aviv, still competing in European competitions. United Nations rapporteurs earlier this week urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel, emphasizing that sporting bodies should not ignore human rights violations.
Moshe Zuares, president of the Israeli FA, told TV2 that while he hopes for peace and an end to the war, he believes suspending football activities will not resolve the conflict. Zuares expressed a desire for peaceful coexistence with Palestinians and questioned whether banning sports activities effectively addresses such geopolitical issues.
UEFA has not commented on the matter, and the Israeli FA has been contacted for a response by PA.
