Israel is now taking drastic action in a bid to avoid being banned from both UEFA and FIFA competitions. Since the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalated in October 2023, several fans, public figures, and nations have called for the Middle Eastern nation to be excluded from football’s biggest events – similar to how governing bodies treated Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Despite more than 65,000 Palestinians killed in the conflict and the events in Gaza now being identified as genocide, no decision has yet been made on whether Israel will be allowed to compete at next year’s World Cup. For now, The Skyblues continue a strong qualifying campaign.
Currently sitting third in their group, Israel are six points behind leaders Norway but level with second-placed Italy, with three games left to play. However, with UEFA expected to decide next week whether Israeli clubs will be banned from the Champions League and Europa League – and with pressure mounting on FIFA to act – the nation has taken matters into its own hands to prevent exclusion.
Israel To Take Drastic Action to Prevent Bans From FIFA & UEFA
On Friday, The Times reported that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is preparing to make a personal appeal to world football’s leaders in an effort to prevent the nation from being banned by FIFA and UEFA. Netanyahu has reportedly made phone calls to senior football figures, attempting to persuade them not to take action against Israel.
Israel’s sports and culture minister, Miki Zohar, along with the head of the country’s football association, Moshe Zuares, have also been lobbying to keep alive the nation’s hopes of qualifying for football’s showpiece tournament for the first time since 1970.
Among those to intensify discussions around Israel’s potential sanctions is Eric Cantona, who spoke in depth about the atrocities in Gaza during a campaign event at Wembley Arena. Meanwhile, Spain – one of the tournament favourites – has threatened to boycott the World Cup if Israel is not disqualified.
