UEFA reportedly nearing decision to suspend Israel from football competitions

European football's governing body UEFA is reportedly close to a decision on suspending Israel from all international competitions, while the US government vows to oppose any ban from the 2026 World Cup.

25 sept 2025 - 15:36 • 3 min read

European football's governing body, UEFA, is reportedly nearing a decision to suspend Israel from all international football competitions, a move that could prevent the national team from participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and see clubs like Maccabi Tel Aviv excluded from European tournaments.

The Times newspaper reported that a decision is expected "next week," with a "majority in favour" of the suspension among UEFA members. Such a move would also halt Israel's participation in World Cup qualifying matches, which are organized under UEFA's umbrella.

Sources within European football associations suggest a desire for "action" on the matter, with "new, high-level pressure from many nations compared to just a month ago." The calls for sporting sanctions against Israel have intensified following a United Nations commission of inquiry's conclusion that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. UN human rights experts have subsequently urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel's national team from international football, stating that "sports must reject the perception that it is business as usual."

However, the United States government has indicated it will actively work to prevent any ban on Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup. A spokesperson for the US State Department told BBC Sport, "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup." This intervention comes as the US is set to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.

Israel's government has been working to counter the potential suspension. Israeli Minister of Sport Miki Zohar confirmed that he is "working with Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu to prevent this move."

Israel denies that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide, asserting they are measures of self-defence. The Israeli military launched its campaign in Gaza following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 65,419 people have been killed in the territory since then.

The Russian national team was previously banned from international football competitions following the country's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a precedent that has been raised in discussions regarding Israel's potential exclusion. UEFA has previously stated a distinction between the two situations, citing Russia's "unprovoked invasion of Ukraine" versus Israel's response to the October 7 attacks.

Recent events have highlighted the growing pressure. Supporters of the Greek team PAOK displayed Palestinian flags and banners reading "Stop the genocide" during their Europa League match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Protesters also submitted a petition to UEFA urging Israel's exclusion from European football.

FIFA has launched its own investigations into allegations of discrimination raised by the Palestine Football Association against the Israeli FA, as well as whether teams from Israeli settlements in the West Bank playing in Israeli competitions breach FIFA regulations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously spoken about the suffering of children in conflict zones, including Gaza, though he has also noted the complex geopolitical issues surrounding sports sanctions.