UEFA considering Israel suspension: Secret meetings held
The Israeli national team may find itself outside international football (photo: facebook.com/IsraelFootballAssociation)
UEFA is holding talks with pro-Palestinian activists on the conditions for Israel’s suspension from all international tournaments, according to The Athletic.
UEFA may suspend Israel from international tournaments
The European Football Association is consulting with the pro-Palestinian initiative Game Over Israel on the conditions under which Israel could be suspended from international football competitions.
According to The Athletic, dialogue between UEFA and activists has been ongoing since late September 2025.
This comes after the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, as well as after several national football associations officially called on UEFA leadership to vote on Israel’s continued participation in its tournaments.
UEFA and Game Over Israel positions
The Game Over Israel initiative was launched on September 17. Meetings between the sides focused on discussing legal mechanisms that could allow UEFA to implement such a ban.
Currently, UEFA shows no intention of initiating Israel’s suspension independently, citing concerns over potential conflicts with other sports and international organizations.
However, UEFA leadership is closely monitoring court proceedings in Ireland and Switzerland, which could theoretically compel the association to act under international law.
Key meetings and security issues
A key meeting between UEFA representatives and activists took place on October 15 at the organization's headquarters.
This meeting occurred the same week as a high-profile incident: West Midlands police barred fans of Tel Aviv’s Maccabi from traveling to the match against Aston Villa for security reasons.
According to sources, UEFA subsequently asked activists to provide human rights expert reports. These documents are expected to be used in the decision-making process regarding Israel’s participation in international football competitions.
Pressure from federations and FIFA
The issue of a possible suspension of Israel’s UEFA membership is not new.
Earlier this year, UEFA was expected to hold an emergency session to discuss Israel's membership following an official request from the Turkish Football Federation and support from other national associations. The decision was postponed due to a peace initiative from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Currently, football associations from Norway, Spain, and Turkey are openly advocating for Israel’s suspension from international tournaments.
Pressure is also mounting from international organizations: Amnesty International and several UN human rights experts have called on UEFA and FIFA to impose sanctions, arguing that sport cannot remain neutral in times of war.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, however, maintains a cautious position, emphasizing that football cannot solve geopolitical problems but should promote peace and unity.
"Our thoughts are with those who are suffering in the many conflicts that exist around the world today, and the most important message that football can convey right now is one of peace and unity," Infantino said in an interview.
