UEFA's latest response to banning Israel after Europa League clubs 'make urgent request'
UEFA recently responded to calls for Israel to be banned from European competition.
UEFA – European football’s governing body – encountered a similar situation back in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.
All Russian clubs and the national team were then suspended from participation in UEFA-sanctioned competitions.
Similar questions have been put forward regarding the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
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Over 80,000 people have been killed in the Palestinian territory of Gaza since the war began, with over 17,000 of those children.
Currently, Israeli clubs are permitted to compete in European competitions, with Israeli Premier League champions Maccabi Tel Aviv set to play in the Europa League this season.
Maccabi have been drawn against Aston Villa, Dinamo Zagreb, Lyon, PAOK, Midtjylland, SC Freiburg, Bologna and VfB Stuttgart in the 36-team league phase.
However, according to The Times, a number of unnamed clubs taking part in the competition are said to have 'tested the water' about whether there was any process to request not being drawn against the Israel-based side - although UEFA 'received no official requests from any clubs' and current rules would not allow this to occur.
SPORTbible have approached UEFA for further comment.
Earlier this month, the Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC) penned an open letter calling for Israel’s suspension from international football.
Italy are due to play Israel in a World Cup qualifier in Hungary in September.
However, both FIFA and UEFA have yet to sanction Israel.
What has UEFA said about banning Israel?
Earlier in August, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin was pressed on the topic during an interview with Slovenian TV station Odmevi.
Čeferin said: “For now, this is our decision [allowing Israel to compete]. It is very difficult for me to comment on what could happen in the future.
"I think the time has come when we have to stop pretending that we are a sports organisation that lives on another planet.”
This came one day after UEFA decided to display a banner that said “STOP KILLING CHILDREN - STOP KILLING CIVILIANS,” ahead of the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Spurs.
Following the match, which PSG won, Čeferin stood alongside two Palestinian children who handed out medals.
Luke Davies