Israel face World Cup exclusion risk: UEFA message and possible scenarios | OneFootball

The football situation in Israel remains at the center of a true international intrigue. After rumors of a possible exclusion of the national team from the 2026 World Cup and Maccabi Tel Aviv from the Europa League, new information is emerging from Israeli sources.

Israel and the Risk of World Cup Exclusion: UEFA's Message and Possible Scenarios

Currently, UEFA does not intend to proceed with an immediate suspension, but the case remains open and closely concerns both Italy and Bologna.

Israel out of the World Cup? Press rumors

According to reports from Ynet and echoed by major Israeli media, a measure similar to the one already adopted against Russia is not imminent. This contradicts, at least for now, the Times' predictions, which had suggested a UEFA vote this week to exclude Israel from all international competitions.

The mystery of the message to the Israeli Federation

A central element concerns a message that UEFA allegedly sent directly to the Israeli Football Association. In the text, the body led by Aleksander Ceferin clarified that no emergency meeting is scheduled for Tuesday regarding the position of Israeli teams. Furthermore, UEFA categorically denied alleged pressures from Qatar, which had been suggested following Israel's recent attacks on Doha and its ties with Hamas.

The role of FIFA and international pressures

According to Ynet, FIFA has not officially opened any dossier on Israel's position. In fact, the relations between President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump seem to influence the cautious line adopted. The United States, ready to host the 2026 World Cup, would not favor an exclusion of the Israeli national team, which is in the same qualifying group as Italy. Trump himself, always close to Tel Aviv, would oppose any drastic measures.

Bologna and Maccabi Tel Aviv: Direct Consequences in the Europa League

The case does not only concern the national team. Bologna is also closely watching developments, as Maccabi Tel Aviv is in its same Europa League group. The geopolitical instability and ongoing conflict in Gaza could affect the regular playing of matches, leading UEFA to consider alternative sanctions to exclusion, such as logistical restrictions or matches behind closed doors.

Possible Scenarios for Israel

At the moment, the hypothesis of an immediate suspension seems to have faded, but the future remains uncertain. UEFA could indeed opt for softer measures, leaving the door open to progressive sanctions based on the evolution of the crisis. In any case, the Israel case remains one of the most delicate issues for international football, with sporting and political implications that closely affect both Italy and Europe.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.