The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which governs the sport in Europe, is moving towards a vote to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza, sources have told The Associated Press.
A majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee is expected to support any vote in favour of suspending Israeli teams from international play, two sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.
The move comes two weeks before the Israel men’s team is due to resume its 2026 World Cup qualifying group with games in Norway and Italy.
Israel is currently in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Norway, Italy, Moldova and Estonia, and is third in the standings, with nine points from five matches. Its last international match was against Italy in the World Cup qualifiers, which it had lost 4-5.
It is unclear whether world football body FIFA will support excluding Israel, given the close relations between FIFA’s leader, Gianni Infantino, and President Donald Trump. His administration’s support to secure the World Cup is seen as key to FIFA delivering a successful tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
FIFA’s ruling council is scheduled to meet in Zurich next week.
Published on Sep 25, 2025
