European soccer body UEFA moves toward vote to suspend Israel
GENEVA (AP) — European soccer body UEFA is moving toward a vote to suspend its member federation Israel over the war in Gaza, people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press on Thursday.
A majority of UEFA’s 20-member executive committee is expected to support any vote in favor of suspending Israeli teams from international play, two sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject.
The move comes two weeks before the Israel men’s team is due to resume its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with away games against Norway and Italy.
It is unclear whether world soccer body FIFA will support excluding Israel given the close relations between FIFA’s leader, Gianni Infantino, and President Donald Trump. His administration’s support to secure the World Cup is seen as key to FIFA delivering a successful tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
FIFA’s ruling council is scheduled to meet in Zurich next week.