"European football body UEFA is moving toward a vote to suspend its member federation Israel over the war in Gaza, people familiar with the proposal told The Associated Press on Thursday. A majority of UEFA's 20-member executive committee is expected to support any vote in favour of suspending Israeli teams from international play, two sources told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject."
"It is unclear whether world football body FIFA will support excluding Israel given the close relations between FIFA's leader, Gianni Infantino, and President Donald Trump. His administration's support to secure the World Cup is seen as key to FIFA delivering a successful tournament in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. FIFA's ruling council is scheduled to meet in Zurich next week."
UEFA is preparing a vote that could suspend Israel's football federation in response to the war in Gaza. A majority of UEFA's 20-member executive committee is expected to support suspending Israeli teams from international play. The potential suspension would affect Israel ahead of its 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Italy. FIFA's position remains uncertain given close relations between FIFA president Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration aided the 2026 World Cup bid. FIFA's ruling council will meet in Zurich next week. Israel sits third in its qualifying group and Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Aston Villa in the Europa League on Nov. 6. The Palestinian Football Association has repeatedly sought Israel's suspension, most recently at FIFA Congress in Paraguay in May.
Read at ESPN.com
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