Israel has avoided suspension from European football after US intervention blocked a motion to expel it from UEFA competitions, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.
The decision, which was expected to pass by a wide margin, was kept off the Executive Committee’s agenda following direct lobbying from US officials, according to the reports.
Calls to suspend Israel from international sports have intensified after a UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that it was committing genocide in Gaza.
UN human rights experts and the Palestinian Football Association have also urged sanctions, while FIFA said it was considering action.
Public anger across Europe has also fuelled the campaign. In Spain, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for a sports boycott, while supporters across stadiums have unfurled banners reading “Stop Genocide in Gaza” and “Show Israel the Red Card”.
UEFA also displayed a message urging an end to the killing of children and civilians at the 2025 Super Cup final.
Condemnation grew after Israel launched a failed strike in Doha on 9 September, killing six people and halting mediated ceasefire talks.
Qatar, a major financial backer of UEFA with direct representation on its Executive Committee through PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, is reported to have pushed for Israel’s suspension vote.
A suspension would have excluded Israel’s national team from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and blocked clubs from European tournaments such as the Europa League.
Given Israel’s exclusion from Asian sporting bodies, a European ban would leave it internationally isolated.
Although Washington’s intervention delayed a decision, rights groups and fan movements, including the online #GameOverIsrael campaign, vowed to continue the pressure.
The New Arab has reached out to UEFA for comment.
