The storm has not passed. Following mounting pressure from Qatar and other countries, as well as international organizations and diplomatic figures, the possibility of suspending Israel from UEFA competitions is set to be discussed this week at a gathering of association secretaries in Marbella, Spain, journalist Hugo Carrasco reported Wednesday in OKDiario.
According to Carrasco, the forum itself does not have the authority to impose sanctions but could adopt an initial joint stance, a step that might serve as a springboard for harsher measures by UEFA's Executive Committee, which holds the power to suspend or expel member states. "The meeting will not decide on expulsion, but it is clear that the issue will be raised, and the pressure is growing," Carrasco wrote, adding that the United Nations, through a group of envoys, has formally called on FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel over what it described as "serious human rights violations."
Israel is one of UEFA's 55 member associations, and its representative is expected to participate in the meeting, though only in shaping policy rather than making binding decisions.
A unified front
As Israel Hayom reported, a Qatari-backed proposal to immediately expel Israel from UEFA frameworks was dropped Tuesday after intense lobbying by Israeli diplomats, football officials worldwide, and even American representatives, who engaged directly with UEFA's leadership.
According to OKDiario, Israel is unlikely to face expulsion in the short term, but "the dirty work," as the report put it, will take place in upcoming discussions aimed at forging a unified front against its continued participation. Carrasco also highlighted Qatar's involvement, describing it as working "behind the scenes" to push for sanctions in response to the war in Gaza.
