UEFA, the European football governing body, is reportedly preparing to hold a vote on whether to suspend Israel from international soccer competitions over the conflict in Gaza. The Associated Press has reported that the organization is moving toward a decision that could potentially bar Israeli teams, including the national team and club sides, from participating in World Cup qualifiers and other major international events. This would mark a significant shift in UEFA’s stance on Israel’s participation in global football, as the conflict in Gaza has intensified international calls for sanctions.
The vote is expected to be supported by a majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee. This outcome would mean that Israeli teams could be excluded from future international play, with serious implications for their ability to compete in the upcoming World. A spokesperson for the Israel Football Federation (IFA) has reportedly dismissed the notion of any imminent suspension, stating that they have