UEFA Moves Toward Suspending Israel After UN Call

United Nations advisory experts and a UN commission have urged sporting sanctions over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with some UN bodies saying actions may amount to genocide. UEFA is reportedly moving toward an emergency vote, and a majority of its 20-member executive committee is said to favor suspending the Israel Football Association and its clubs, which could bar national and club teams from European competition. That could put upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy in doubt, though FIFA controls World Cup qualification and could challenge or reverse any UEFA ban. The U.S. government, under President Trump and the State Department, has pledged to work to prevent any ban at the 2026 World Cup, a stance complicated by ties between President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Israeli officials reject the UN findings and say they see no indication a suspension is imminent, while Palestinian and other advocates say sporting sanctions are a necessary response to alleged human-rights violations.