In the context of escalating tensions in the Middle East and the growing wave of calls for Israel to be removed from international tournaments, the FIFA has officially taken the view that it will not apply any ban on Israeli football.
The announcement was made at a FIFA Council meeting held in Zurich (Switzerland) on October 2. President Gianni Infantino emphasized the role of football as a tool of connection, not a means of political intervention.
Football has the power to connect people in a divided world. We cannot solve political conflicts, but we can promote solidarity, education and humanity through sports, Infantino said.
Despite maintaining a neutral stance, FIFA has not completely ignored the issue. Instead, the body has chosen another way, which is to transfer responsibility for handling Israel to the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).
FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani said: Because Israel is under UEFA, all decisions regarding their participation in European tournaments, including the World Cup qualifiers, will be decided by UEFA.
This means that the Israeli team will continue to compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, despite criticism from some countries such as Turkey, Norway as well as international human rights organizations such as the International Humanitarian Court.
Israel is currently in 3rd place in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe, preparing to face Norway on October 11 and Italy 3 days later.
