Overview

• Eight UN independent experts led by Francesca Albanese formally urged FIFA and UEFA to bar Israel from all competitions, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry finding of genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories.
• The Times reports UEFA is considering suspension across all tournaments, with a majority of members reportedly in favor and a decision anticipated next week.
• FIFA and UEFA have not announced any action or formally replied to the UN experts’ appeal.
• The U.S. State Department said it will work to prevent Israel’s exclusion, and Israeli sports minister Miki Zohar said he is coordinating with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the move.
• A ban would affect 2026 World Cup qualifying, including Italy vs Israel scheduled for 14 October in Udine, and could remove Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Europa League.