UEFA to hold emergency meeting: Is a ban coming for Israeli teams?

UEFA, the governing body of European football, plans to hold an emergency meeting next week following the United Nations (UN) Commission of Inquiry's statement regarding Israel's alleged genocide in Gaza. The meeting will determine whether Israel's membership in UEFA will be suspended.

BAN ON THE AGENDA

According to reports in the British press, the vast majority of UEFA Executive Committee members support banning Israel from football activities. It is stated that national federations are also expected to support this decision. If this measure is adopted, Israel would be unable to participate in next year's World Cup, as UEFA organizes the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers. This decision would be considered a stern step taken by UEFA against Israel.

PRESSURE ON FIFA MAY INCREASE

A potential suspension of Israel's membership by UEFA could increase pressure on FIFA. In August, during the Super Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur held in Udine, Italy, FIFA and UEFA had prepared banners reading, "Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians." Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Office called on FIFA and UEFA this week, stating, "Suspending Israel from international football is a necessary step in response to the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories."

UN REPORT: "THERE CAN BE NO FAIR PLAY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF GENOCIDE"

The report by United Nations experts stated, "Sport must reject the perception that everything is normal. Sports organizations should not turn a blind eye to their platforms being used to normalize injustices. National teams representing states that commit major human rights violations can and should be suspended, as has been done in the past." These statements could directly impact Israel's future in international football.

Israel, currently competing in Group I of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers, is in third place behind Norway and Italy. Israel is scheduled to face Norway and Italy in October. The Norwegian Football Federation announced that the proceeds from the match against Israel on October 11 will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for humanitarian aid in Gaza. On October 14, Israel will face Italy in an away match.

PROTESTS AGAINST ISRAEL IN EUROPEAN CUPS

At the club level, Maccabi Tel Aviv is the only Israeli team competing in European cups. During the match against Greece's PAOK, which ended 0-0, home fans displayed banners reading "Stop the genocide" and "Show a red card to Israel." Furthermore, thousands of fans protesting against Israel before the match sent a petition to UEFA stating, "There can be no fair play with representatives of genocide."

News Source: 12punto