In Israeli football and sports circles, there is growing concern that on Tuesday, as the Jewish new year begins, UEFA will deliver the dreaded decision that many feared: Israel's suspension from European competitions until further notice.
Israel Hayom has learned that Qatar is exerting heavy pressure to bring the vote on Israel's expulsion to the UEFA Executive Committee meeting on Tuesday. Over the past week, intense lobbying efforts have been underway to secure a majority in favor of expulsion.
At present, among the 20 voting members, a sweeping majority reportedly supports Israel's removal, with only two or three countries firmly opposed. The Israel Football Association is leaning on both sporting and diplomatic allies in a desperate bid to prevent the matter from reaching the agenda.
The immediate danger stems from voices within UEFA signaling that a vote on Israel's suspension is likely at Tuesday's meeting. Behind the scenes, Israeli officials are fighting to stop the issue from being tabled. However, Qatari pressure has intensified since Israel's failed strike in Doha, and Qatari officials are deploying all their influence to ensure Israel is expelled.
Israeli officials understand that if the matter does go to a vote, Israel's participation in European football will be over, at least for the foreseeable future. On Wednesday, the day after Rosh Hashanah, Maccabi Tel Aviv is scheduled to open its Europa League campaign away against PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece.
A senior official at the Israel Football Association told Israel Hayom: "We are working on this on every front. Shino Zoertz and Moran Meiri are working around the clock. The matter is being handled. No one at the association is asleep at the wheel."
