US stepped in to save Israel from UEFA sanctions, report claims

Israel has avoided immediate expulsion from European football thanks to U.S. support, according to the Israeli daily Israel Hayom.

Earlier this month, Israel Hayom reported, without citing sources, that UEFA’s Executive Committee might consider suspending Israel’s national team and clubs on Sept. 23. According to the outlet, this push, allegedly fueled by Qatar after its capital was attacked on Sept. 9, followed in the wake of escalating tensions.

In a later article, the newspaper said Israel’s UEFA position was preserved «following heavy pressure from diplomats, football association officials and other senior figures in the sport.» The report also mentioned unnamed U.S. officials.

However, UEFA’s official calendar does not list an executive committee meeting on Sept. 23. The next listed meetings are scheduled for other dates, including Dec. 3, 2025.

The only related event was a statement from eight U.N. experts, including Francesca Albanese, special rapporteur on Palestine. They urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel’s clubs and teams from international events «in response to the ongoing genocide in the occupied Palestinian territory.»