UEFA discusses complete exclusion of Israel from European cups and WC-2026
Sport
Today, the UEFA Executive Committee is holding a meeting where the main agenda item is the possible full suspension of Israel’s national team and clubs from all competitions under its umbrella. The decision could dramatically reshape the European football landscape.
The debate follows mounting political pressure and an earlier appeal by 12 Middle Eastern countries to FIFA, demanding Israel’s exclusion from international competitions due to military operations in Gaza. Now, the initiative has moved to the continental level.
According to media reports, a majority of the 20 committee members lean toward supporting suspension, with Qatar playing a key lobbying role. Meanwhile, Israel is engaging in diplomatic efforts, relying heavily on the backing of Germany and Hungary, whose votes may prove decisive.
If approved, Israel’s national team would be barred from continuing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv would lose their places in European tournaments.
Observers already compare the situation to historic precedents — most notably, Yugoslavia’s exclusion from Euro 1992 and the 1994 World Cup due to the Balkan wars.
According to media reports, a majority of the 20 committee members lean toward supporting suspension, with Qatar playing a key lobbying role. Meanwhile, Israel is engaging in diplomatic efforts, relying heavily on the backing of Germany and Hungary, whose votes may prove decisive.
If approved, Israel’s national team would be barred from continuing the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv would lose their places in European tournaments.
Observers already compare the situation to historic precedents — most notably, Yugoslavia’s exclusion from Euro 1992 and the 1994 World Cup due to the Balkan wars.
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