'Israel’s' role in world soccer should be decided by UEFA, says FIFA vp

'Israel’s' continued participation in international football should be addressed primarily by the European governing body UEFA, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani said on Wednesday.

UEFA had been expected to hold an emergency vote this week on whether to suspend 'Israel' from European competitions amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

However, British media reported that the continental body has decided to postpone the proposed vote following the announcement of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the conflict.

“First and foremost, it [Israel] is a member of UEFA, no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason… They have to deal with that,” Montagliani said at the Leaders sports business conference. “And I respect not only their process but whatever decision they make.”

Montagliani, who also serves as President of the North and Central America and Caribbean soccer federation (CONCACAF), is scheduled to attend the FIFA Council meeting in Zurich on Thursday. The agenda does not include a discussion on 'Israel’s' participation, nor a proposal from CONMEBOL to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams.

'Israel' currently sits third in Group I of the World Cup qualifying stage for the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA urging them to suspend the 'Israel' Football Association.

FIFA has repeatedly delayed a decision on the matter.

Montagliani emphasized that it is UEFA’s responsibility to determine 'Israel’s' participation in European competitions.