Despite reports that the Union of European Football Associations, or UEFA, was set to discuss suspending Israel from international football, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin spoke a few days ago with Israel Football Association Chairman Moshe "Shino" Zuares and made clear the matter has not been raised at either FIFA or UEFA.
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UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and Israel Football Association Chairman Moshe "Shino" Zuares
(Photo: Oz Moalem)
Čeferin told Zuares about the pressure campaign calling for Israel’s expulsion, but said that, at least for now, UEFA’s stance toward Israel is one of neutrality, unlike Russia’s exclusion from international competitions after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a reassuring message toward Israel at the governing body’s executive committee meeting Thursday.
In a statement, he said FIFA must “strive for unity and peace, especially in the context of what is happening in Gaza, and cannot resolve international conflicts.” FIFA also declined calls from associations such as Norway and Turkey to hold a vote on banning Israel from competition