UEFA and FIFA consider expelling Israeli clubs and national teams for the first time.

BarcelonaThe world of sport is turning its back on Israel. The highest governing bodies of world football, such as FIFA, are considering for the first time expelling clubs and national teams from this state from their competitions. FIFA is discussing a measure with UEFA, the European body, since Israel competes in sport as if it were a European state. UEFA, in fact, will meet next week with the intention of making a decision regarding the participation of Israel and its teams in international competitions.

According to The Times, "The majority of the members of the executive committee are in favor of suspending Israel," after eight UN experts, including the rapporteur for Palestine, Francesca Albanese, called on FIFA and UEFA on Tuesday to suspend the Israeli national team from international competitions "as a response to the genocide." The UN experts clarified that the boycott "must be directed at the State of Israel and not at individual players," as they cannot bear the consequences of their government's decisions, and therefore there should be no discrimination or sanctions against athletes based on their origin or nationality. This means that Israeli players at foreign clubs could continue playing, such as Villarreal striker Manor Solomon.

Those in favor of suspending Israel point to Russia, which has been banned from European competition since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Maccabi Tel Aviv is the only club playing in international competition this season and on Wednesday displayed Palestinian flags and a banner reading "Show the red card in Israel" in Salò. In August, UEFA took a stand against the killing of civilians and children with a banner at the European Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, but without mentioning Israel.

A possible suspension by UEFA would not be linked to a FIFA decision, which, however, would put it in a very difficult position ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Israel is playing to qualify, finishing third in its group behind Norway and Italy. The Israeli national soccer team is currently vying for a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. They are currently aiming to finish second in a group in which they compete against Norway and Italy. The group runners-up will play a play-off final to be at next summer's tournament. But FIFA is reportedly considering expelling them after talks with various important players in world football, such as the Asian Football Confederation, where Qatar has exerted significant pressure in this regard, and UEFA itself, where more and more voices are being raised in favor of a boycott over the Gaza massacre. Canada will oppose Israel's expulsion from that tournament.

Competing in Europe

From 1948 to 1974, Israel competed as an Asian national team. In fact, in 1970, Israel qualified for its only World Cup competing as an Asian team. But even then, many Muslim-majority states were boycotting it. Some controversial matches against Iran heightened tensions, and finally, in 1974, the Asian Confederation of Nations expelled Israel at its assembly. Surprisingly, Israel went on to play in the Oceania Confederation as a guest team for several years. In fact, in 1990, it almost reached the World Cup competing as such. But in the 1990s, Israel asked to compete in Europe, due to its shorter travel time and a higher level of football and economic performance. And UEFA admitted it. The Palestinian national team was not admitted to FIFA until 1998, competing as an Asian national team.