Anthony Nlebem
UEFA is preparing to vote on suspending Israel from international football competitions due to the ongoing war in Gaza, according to Associated Press.
A majority of the European governing body’s 20-member executive committee is expected to back the proposal, which would bar Israel’s national and club teams from UEFA tournaments and next year’s World Cup qualifiers.
Israel’s men’s team is scheduled to face Norway and Italy in the upcoming qualifying matches.
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The move comes amid mounting global pressure on Israel over the humanitarian toll of its military campaign in Gaza.
Calls for a ban intensified after seven U.N. Human Rights Council experts urged both FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also echoed demands for sporting sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA’s 37-member ruling council is set to meet in Zurich next week, but it remains unclear whether world football’s governing body will follow UEFA’s lead.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who maintains close ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, has not commented.
The U.S. State Department has already signalled opposition to any ban, pledging to block efforts that could prevent Israel from competing at the World Cup.
Israel’s government and football federation are lobbying intensely to avoid expulsion, with Sports Minister Miki Zohar confirming behind-the-scenes talks to rally support.
UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin hinted at a tougher stance last month, when banners reading “Stop Killing Children. Stop Killing Civilians” appeared before the UEFA Super Cup in Udine.
Protests have also accompanied recent matches involving Israeli clubs, including Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League clash in Greece this week.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
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