The Growing Storm Around Israel in International Football
The football world is abuzz with speculation after multiple reports suggested that UEFA is under pressure to expel Israel from its competitions, including the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. According to reports from outlets such as Israel Hayom, JNS, and SportBible, Qatar has been lobbying UEFA officials in Switzerland, pushing for a suspension of Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.
This comes against the backdrop of heightened political and military tensions, particularly following Israel’s alleged strike in Doha earlier this month. Advocacy campaigns, including the high-profile #GameOverIsrael movement, have amplified calls for federations to boycott Israeli teams on both humanitarian and political grounds.
UEFA’s Current Stance
Despite the growing noise, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has poured cold water on immediate expulsion talks. Speaking last week, Čeferin made it clear:
He acknowledges the humanitarian crisis but insists that athletes should not be punished for circumstances beyond their control.
He confirmed that Israel remains part of the ongoing World Cup qualifying process and no formal decision has been taken to remove them.
This aligns with UEFA’s historical caution in political cases, though critics point to the precedent of Russia’s ban after the Ukraine invasion as proof that sport is never truly separate from geopolitics.
The Rumored “Plan”
While no official motion has been published, sources close to UEFA’s Executive Committee suggest that:
Some federations are quietly supporting a vote on Israel’s expulsion.
A “sweeping majority” in favor of removing Israel has been rumored, though not independently verified.
If passed, the ban would not only eject Israel from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers but also prevent Israeli clubs (e.g., Maccabi Tel Aviv) from competing in the Europa League and Champions League.
Such a move would represent one of UEFA’s most dramatic disciplinary steps in decades.
What Happens If Israel Is Banned?
The implications would be massive:
World Cup Qualifiers Impact → Israel’s current matches could be voided, reshaping group dynamics.
Club Football Fallout → Israeli sides would be barred from European club competitions, stripping them of revenue and exposure.
Political & Legal Repercussions → Israel could launch legal action against UEFA, while diplomatic tensions in European football governance would skyrocket.
Precedent Setting → This would open the door for future bans linked to conflicts, raising questions about football’s neutrality.
The Bottom Line
As of September 2025, Israel remains active in all UEFA and FIFA competitions. While lobbying and advocacy campaigns are loud, no official vote or confirmation of a ban has been made public.
Fact Check: UEFA has not banned Israel.
Speculation: A vote could happen in upcoming UEFA meetings.
Reality: The debate over politics in football is intensifying, and Israel is right at the center of it.
