UEFA and FIFA on collision course over Israel decision after Donald Trump call

UEFA and FIFA are on a collision course over a decision to ban Israel from the next World Cup in North America. UEFA's executive committee will meet next week to decide whether or not to suspend Israel, with most members understood to be in favour of a ban.

A panel of United Nations advisers has called on UEFA to suspend Israel, after a UN Commission of Inquiry decided the nation is committing genocide in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also called for sporting sanctions against Israel. But with World Cup qualifiers falling under the jurisdiction of FIFA, football's world governing body would still have the power to reverse any ban on Israel from UEFA.

Israel, who are currently third in Group I, have two qualifiers remaining and stand a good chance of securing a place at the World Cup. Ran Ben Shimon's side are tied on points with second-placed Italy. The winner of the group automatically qualifies, while second place secures a play off.

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A ban from UEFA would leave FIFA president Gianni Infantino in an awkward position, however, considering his close relationship with the United States and its president Donald Trump.

The United States government insist it will attempt to stop a ban on Israel competing at the finals next summer, should they qualify. While Infantino said last week it is difficult to sanction countries involved in conflicts.

A US State Department spokesperson said: "We will absolutely work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel's national soccer team from the World Cup."

If UEFA vote to throw Israel out of European competitions at both international and club level, it would see Aston Villa's Europa League clash with Maccabi Haifi cancelled.

Russia has been banned from European competition since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Russian athletes from competing under their national flag at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

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