Israel faces UEFA suspension vote as calls grow over Gaza genocide

Israel is facing the prospect of suspension from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) over its ongoing assault on Palestinians in Gaza.

According to reports, a majority of UEFA member associations support the move, and a decision is expected to be taken at an emergency meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee scheduled for next week.

If the suspension is approved, Israel would be barred from European competitions in a manner similar to the ban imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The move could also increase pressure on FIFA, world football’s governing body, to take similar action against Israel.

Suspension from UEFA would automatically rule Israel out of the World Cup qualifiers, further isolating its footballing presence on the international stage.

The calls for Israel’s expulsion stem from growing demands to hold it accountable for the large-scale killing of Palestinians in Gaza.

Just last week, Spain urged international sporting bodies to impose a ban on Israel, warning that it would boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup if Israel were allowed to participate.