Despite the ceasefire and the effective end of the war in Gaza, the threat of Israel’s expulsion from international soccer competitions is once again looming. Ynet has learned that the Irish Football Association is not alone in its efforts—an emerging coalition of several European soccer associations is calling for Israel’s suspension from both FIFA and UEFA tournaments, including its national team and club teams.
In the days leading up to the ceasefire, reports surfaced of intense pressure on UEFA to suspend Israel, but last-minute interventions by FIFA and U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly prevented the move. Now, however, a renewed wave of momentum is forming, and the coming week may prove critical for the future of Israeli soccer on the international stage. Notably, this push is not directly tied to the war in Gaza.
Unlike past efforts to expel Israel, the European associations are reviving longstanding allegations, which Israel has faced for years. They claim that the Israel Football Association is in violation of two FIFA regulations: the operation of football clubs in the West Bank and the failure to implement anti-racism policies.
These accusations were previously brought to FIFA by the Palestinian Authority, which charged Israel with "genocide, racism and obstructing Palestinian football activity." At FIFA's congress in Thailand in May 2024, President Gianni Infantino ruled that the Palestinian request to impose sanctions on Israel would not be brought to a vote but referred the matter to a panel of experts. This panel is expected to present its findings to FIFA's council. The coalition against Israel is now demanding that these findings be made public.
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UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Israel Football Association chair Shino Zuaretz
(Photo: Oz Moalem)
The current campaign to suspend Israel is being pursued along two tracks: a renewed appeal to FIFA—previously deflected by Israel Football Association (IFA) Chairman Shino Zuaretz—and a second push via UEFA. Ireland is leading this charge, with support from Norway, Slovenia, Turkey, Bosnia and others. A formal request is expected to be submitted as early as Monday, demanding Israel’s immediate expulsion. UEFA's executive committee will then need to decide within 24 hours whether to convene an emergency session on the issue.
Meanwhile, Zuaretz is actively working to block the move through personal outreach, including weekend conversations with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
“We are heading into another defensive battle now,” a senior IFA source said. “The goal is to prevent the issue from even reaching the UEFA executive committee. If it goes to a vote—the outcome is obvious.”