After weeks of tension ahead of the debate on Israel's possible removal from UEFA, prompted by Qatari pressure, Israel can breathe a little easier. For now, Israel has been spared exclusion from European competitions, which means Maccabi Tel Aviv will play its opening Europa League game against PAOK Thessaloniki in Greece as scheduled.
The initial report in Israel Hayom set off a flurry of activity, with numerous Israeli and international diplomats, football association leaders and sports officials, whose identities will remain undisclosed for years, working on behalf of the Israel Football Association. Their efforts ensured that Israel's expulsion is not currently on UEFA's agenda. American officials were also involved, pressing UEFA leaders not to upset the status quo.
Those who watched the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday, organized by the French magazine France Football, saw Paris Saint-Germain owner Nasser al-Khelaifi deliver the longest speech ever by a club owner at the event. The gesture was one of several moves meant to calm Qatar, which already wields significant influence over European football.
Meanwhile, junior advisers on the UN Human Rights Committee on Tuesday called for Israel's removal from football and for it to be barred from UEFA and FIFA competitions. However, this body has no formal ties to football and its members cannot speak on behalf of the UN or the committee they serve in an advisory capacity.
So what comes next? Israeli football's main objective is to secure a place in the Nations League draw in March and participate in the tournament. At the moment, the chances look slim unless the political situation changes and Israel ends its war. Nevertheless, the threat of expulsion could resurface at any moment depending on UEFA's considerations. Israel may have won this battle, but the war over its place in international football is far from finished.
