UEFA Refuses to Suspend Israel from European Tournaments after U.S. Pressure

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) will not exclude Israeli clubs and national teams from international competitions despite the ongoing military conflict in Gaza. According to Israel Hayom, the organization’s leadership faced significant pressure from the United States on the eve of the decision, even though the U.S. is not a UEFA member.

Sources report that Israel received support from diplomats, football federation representatives, and other influential figures in the sports community. As a result, the Israel Football Association avoided sanctions, meaning Tel Aviv’s Maccabi will be able to compete in the 2025/26 Europa League. The team’s first match will be against Greek club PAOK in Thessaloniki as planned.

Discussions about Israel’s possible exclusion from UEFA lasted several weeks, partly under pressure from Qatar, which holds considerable influence in European football. However, the issue has ultimately been taken off the agenda.

Meanwhile, some advisers to the UN Human Rights Committee called for Israel to be barred from tournaments under UEFA and FIFA, but their statements are unofficial and do not represent the position of the United Nations.

The main goal for Israeli football remains participation in the Nations League draw in March 2026. However, according to experts, prospects remain uncertain until the end of the ongoing military operation, which has already lasted 719 days. The threat of Israel’s exclusion from European tournaments still exists and could resurface at any time.