Since the United Nations commission of inquiry formally declared that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, mounting pressure has emerged for the country to be suspended from international football competitions.
Israel’s national team is currently participating in European qualifiers for next summer’s men’s FIFA World Cup, while Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv competes in the Europa League.
The BBC has learned from a senior football federation official that multiple nations are pushing for a vote to potentially remove Israel from European football, with UEFA’s leadership reportedly prepared to act. On Friday, the Turkish Football Association formally demanded Israel be banned, while a group of 48 athletes signed a joint letter calling for the country’s suspension.
The Times reports that a vote could take place as soon as next week, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu campaigns against it. Meanwhile, the US State Department has vowed to resist any attempt to bar Israel from World Cup qualification, which will largely be hosted in the United States.
How Would a Vote Work?
Major decisions in European football are made by UEFA’s executive committee, which oversees governance, finances, and competition rules. The committee comprises 20 officials: 16 elected members representing national football federations, two from the European Club Association (ECA), and one from the European Leagues organisation.
Emergency meetings are not typically publicized, and votes generally remain confidential. A simple majority of 11 out of 20 members is required for any decision to pass. If approved, a suspension would take effect immediately, barring Israel from participating in UEFA competitions, including World Cup qualifiers.
Who Would Decide?
Among the 16 elected members, Israel is represented by Moshe Zuares. Other members hail from countries including Spain, Norway, Albania, and Armenia, whose governments have issued pro-Palestine statements. However, aside from Turkey, no other football associations have publicly indicated a stance.
The ECA’s leadership is influential. Its head, Nasser Al-Khelaifi—also president of Paris Saint-Germain and chair of BeIN Media Group—has previously criticized Israeli actions in Doha but has made no public comment on the suspension debate. His fellow ECA representative, Miguel Angel Gil Marin, is CEO of Atletico Madrid, while European Leagues representative Claudius Schafer is Swiss.
A decision by UEFA could have immediate ramifications for Israel’s international football participation, igniting further political controversy in a region already fraught with tension.
Source – My News Ghana
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