By Ira Deshpande
UEFA is preparing to vote on whether to suspend Israel because of the war in Gaza. Reports say most members of UEFA’s 20-person executive committee are likely to support the move. If passed, it would block both Israeli national and club teams from international competitions.
The men’s national side is due to play World Cup qualifiers soon. Their schedule includes trips to Norway and Italy. A suspension would stop those games.
What FIFA will do is not yet clear. The global body has stayed quiet. Its president, Gianni Infantino is considered to be close to the Trump administration. This relationship is seen as key for the World Cup planning in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The U.S. State Department has already said it will oppose any ban on Israel at the World Cup.
FIFA’s 37-member council will meet in Zurich soon. Eight of those seats belong to the UEFA. Infantino is currently working from FIFA’s Manhattan office, in Trump Tower, while attending events linked to the UN General Assembly.
The push to exclude Israel has increased quite a lot in recent weeks. Critics are pointing to the humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Israel should be barred from sport. He compared it to Russia’s suspension after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
UEFA’s leadership has also toughened its tone. During the Super Cup in Udine, banners reading “Stop Killing Children” and “Stop Killing Civilians” were seen. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin later signalled worry about the war’s impact.
Israeli leaders are lobbying hard against a ban. Sports and culture minister Miki Zohar, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and federation chief Moshe Suarez are all involved.
When Russia was banned, it followed several UEFA nations refusing to play Russian teams. No country has yet refused to play Israel. Still, both Norway and Italy have raised concerns. Norway also pledged to donate ticket revenue from its qualifier against Israel to Gaza relief.
Meanwhile, protests are already spilling into football stadiums. Last week Maccabi Tel Aviv played PAOK in Thessaloniki. Pro-Palestinian groups protested outside. Inside the stadium, a banner read “Stop Genocide.”