Nigeria TV Info — UEFA Weighs Suspension of Israel from International Competitions Amid Gaza War

European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, is preparing to vote on whether to suspend Israel from international competition due to the ongoing war in Gaza, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Officials close to the discussions revealed that a majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee is leaning toward supporting the suspension. If approved, the move would bar both Israel’s national and club sides from major competitions, including World Cup qualifiers. Israel’s men’s team is scheduled to play Norway and Italy in away matches in the next two weeks.

Calls for Israel’s exclusion from international sports have intensified as global condemnation of its military campaign in Gaza grows. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently urged for Israel’s suspension, drawing parallels with Russia’s ban following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Several human rights groups and UEFA members have echoed this demand, with fans displaying banners reading “Stop Killing Children” and “Stop Genocide in Gaza” at stadiums across Europe.

The debate is also set to extend to FIFA, whose ruling council meets in Zurich next week. The council includes eight UEFA representatives and will discuss the proposal. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump, coupled with Washington’s staunch support for Israel, may complicate the push for a global suspension. The U.S. State Department has already vowed to oppose any move to exclude Israel from the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

If UEFA proceeds, the decision could mark one of the most consequential political interventions in European football since Russia’s expulsion in 2022.