The Israeli national team is in danger of being eliminated from UEFA competitions, according to reports, which could potentially impact their World Cup qualification campaign.
Since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023, more than 60,000 people have been killed as a result of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The situation in the Gaza Strip has become increasingly dire, with the United Nations' World Food Programme detailing how 500,000 people in the region are 'on the brink of starvation' with humanitarian aid desperately required.
Earlier this month, Israel's decision to target Hamas leaders in Qatar led to international outrage and criticism.
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In fact, after the Israeli attack on Qatar on September 9, pressure has been exerted in recent days to expel Israel from UEFA competitions, according to a report from Israel-based website Mako.
The publication goes on to claim that UEFA are set to discuss potentially banning the Israeli national team from European competition qualifiers at an upcoming executive meeting.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's participation in the Europa League will also be a subject matter.
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"After the Israeli attack on Qatar, one of UEFA's largest sponsors, pressure has been exerted in recent days to expel Israel from the organisation's competitions," the report from Mako says.
"This means: removing the Israeli national team from the European competition qualifiers and stopping Maccabi Tel Aviv's participation in the Europa League.
"This is expected to come up at the UEFA executive meeting as early as next week. Israeli officials are trying to prevent the move."
The publication also included a quote from an Israeli official, who said: "We are one step away from reaching the situation of Russia."
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While Russia remain barred from taking part in matches organised by football's European and world governing bodies, Israel has not been subjected to widespread exclusion by sports institutions such as FIFA.
As mentioned in a report by The Times Of Israel, Israel’s national team is currently competing in a UEFA-organised qualifying tournament for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Ran Ben-Shimon's side currently sit third in their World Cup qualifying group. They face Italy and Norway next month.
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FIFA and UEFA are yet to issue a definitive statement, so the situation remains unclear. SPORTbible has reached out to UEFA for comment.
Topics: FIFA World Cup, UEFA, FIFA
Jack Kenmare