The governing body of world football articulated its position unequivocally.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) previously revoked a nation’s hosting rights for a tournament following a protest against Israel.
In 2023, FIFA, the governing body of world football, decided to cancel the formal draw for the Under-20 World Cup after Bali’s governor, Wayan Koster, declined to host the Israeli squad.
The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) declared that FIFA was compelled to annul the draw because to Koster’s obstinacy.
Indonesia lacks formal relations with Israel, while segments of its populace participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations in 2023 amidst the continuing war between Palestine and Israel.
FIFA subsequently awarded the hosting rights to Argentina for the tournament, which was ultimately won by Uruguay, with Israel securing third place.
In March 2023, Indonesia was deprived of hosting the Under-20 tournament, and the conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated since Hamas’s assault on Israel in October of that year, resulting in around 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 250 hostages.
Subsequent to the October assault, Israel has consistently targeted regions in Palestine, particularly Gaza City.
By September 4, 2025, 64,000 Palestinians have perished in the nearly two-year conflict.
The violence has prompted demands for Israel’s exclusion from UEFA and FIFA events prior to next summer’s World Cup.
Russia remains prohibited from participating in both FIFA and UEFA-sanctioned competitions due to their comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
In August, the Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC) issued an open letter advocating for Israel’s suspension from international football.
What has UEFA stated regarding the prohibition of Israel?
In early August, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was questioned on the subject during an interview with the Slovenian television station Odmevi.
Čeferin stated, “At present, this is our resolution [permitting Israel to compete]. It is exceedingly challenging for me to speculate about potential future events.
“I believe the moment has arrived for us to cease the pretence of being a sports organisation that exists in isolation.”
The nation continues to participate in UEFA and FIFA events and may qualify for next summer’s World Cup if they advance from Group I of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers.
Israel, presently hosting its home matches in Hungary, is joined by Italy, Norway, Estonia, and Moldova in the qualification phase.
What has FIFA stated on the prohibition of Israel?
In October 2023, FIFA President Gianni Infantino penned a letter to the Israel and Palestine Football Associations expressing his regrets over the “horrendous violence” occurring in the region.
“The football community unequivocally supports the citizens of Israel and Palestine, as well as all innocent victims who have suffered an unimaginable toll,” stated a portion of the letter.
In May 2024, the Palestinian federation (PFA) requested a vote to exclude Israel at FIFA’s conference in Bangkok. Infantino subsequently elucidated that it was a matter for the FIFA Council, the organization’s advisory board.
In October 2024, FIFA postponed the decision, as reported by Al Jazeera.
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