Following a United Nations commission of inquiry’s formal declaration that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, calls have intensified to suspend Israel from international football. Israel’s national team is currently competing in European qualifiers for next summer’s men’s FIFA World Cup, and Maccabi Tel Aviv are playing in the Europa League. A senior figure at one football federation told the BBC that many nations are pushing for a vote to expel Israel from European football and that UEFA’s leadership wants to act. The Times reports a vote could come as soon as next week, while Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been lobbying against it. The US State Department has said it would oppose any attempt to bar Israel from potentially qualifying for a World Cup that will be staged mostly on American soil. Turkey’s FA has publicly demanded a ban, and 48 athletes have signed a letter urging Israel’s suspension.
Any decision would rest with UEFA’s 20-member executive committee, headed by president Aleksander Ceferin and comprising 16 elected officials, two representatives from the European Club Association (including Nasser Al-Khelaifi), and one from European Leagues. Emergency meetings are not always public, votes are typically taken only when a clear outcome is expected, and a simple majority (11 of 20) is required. Decisions take effect immediately; because UEFA runs European World Cup qualifying, a suspension would, in practice, bar Israel from next summer’s tournament. One committee member, Moshe Zuares, represents Israel. Some members come from countries whose governments have issued pro-Palestine messages, though—apart from Turkey—associations have not publicly stated positions.
A UEFA suspension would still need FIFA ratification. In 2022, Russia’s exclusion was announced jointly by FIFA and UEFA; disagreement is possible in this case. Athletes including Cheick Doucouré, Hakim Ziyech, Sam Morsy and Moeen Ali back a ban. Critics argue sanctions have been inconsistently applied; supporters say football cannot be neutral. Pressure is building toward a decision with consequences reaching far beyond the sport.
Original article: Read on BBC Sport
