Israeli teams will not be excluded from football competitions – UEFA

Israel retained its place in European football despite political pressure and calls for its exclusion from UEFA.

After several weeks of discussions and disputes, the decision was made in favor of the Israeli side. According to Israel Hayom on September 24, 2025, the idea of suspension was actively promoted by Qatar, but the intervention of the USA and support from a number of influential football associations helped maintain the status quo. As a result, the issue of exclusion was removed from the agenda.

This means that Tel Aviv’s Maccabi will play in the Europa League against Greece’s PAOK as planned. UEFA confirmed: at the moment, there will be no sanctions against Israel.

Meanwhile, several experts from the UN Human Rights Committee called for a ban on Israel’s participation in UEFA and FIFA tournaments. However, their statements are only advisory in nature and do not affect official decisions.

Analysts note: Israel’s main goal is to participate in the Nations League draw in the spring. However, if the war continues, the topic of possible exclusion may resurface.

For Ukraine, the situation also mattered. Dynamo Kyiv defeated Maccabi 1-0 but did not advance to the Europa League group stage and will now continue in the Conference League. If Israel had been excluded from the tournaments, the Kyiv club would have had a chance to remain in the more prestigious Europa League.

Thus, Israel has so far retained its presence in European competitions, but its future participation remains in question.