UEFA is moving toward a vote to suspend Israel from international soccer over the war in Gaza, people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press on Thursday. A majority of the 20-member executive committee is expected to support suspending Israeli teams, which would bar them from competitions including World Cup qualifying.
Israel’s men’s national team is scheduled to play Norway and Italy in two weeks, though its participation could now be in doubt.
The move comes amid mounting international calls to ban Israel from sports and growing criticism of its military campaign in Gaza.
A State Department spokesperson said it will work to stop any efforts that tried to ban Israel’s team from the World Cup.
This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.