UEFA Will Decide Israel’s Football Future, Says FIFA Vice President

As international pressure mounts over Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani stated on Wednesday that any decision regarding Israel’s continued participation in world football must be made by UEFA, the European governing body.

Speaking at the Leaders sports business conference, Montagliani, who also serves as president of CONCACAF, stressed that FIFA would defer to UEFA’s authority on the matter. “First and foremost, it (Israel) is a member of UEFA,” he said. “They have to deal with that. And I respect not only their process but whatever decision they make.”

UEFA had been expected to hold an emergency vote this week to decide whether to suspend Israel from European competitions. However, several British media outlets reported that the vote has been delayed, largely due to diplomatic developments following U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point ceasefire and hostage deal proposal, which reshaped the international focus.

Amnesty International added to the pressure on Wednesday, sending letters to FIFA and UEFA calling for Israel’s suspension from international football. Despite this, Montagliani confirmed that the matter is not on the agenda for Thursday’s FIFA Council meeting in Zurich.

Israel is currently third in Group I of the UEFA qualifying rounds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, set to begin on June 11, 2026, will be the largest in history, expanded to 48 teams.

Montagliani also pushed back against speculation that matches could be relocated due to political concerns. Trump had recently said he would consider moving World Cup matches out of cities he deemed unsafe, but Montagliani dismissed the idea. “If I have to react every time a politician makes a statement… then I wouldn’t be doing my job,” he said. “We’re focused on the 16 venues and making sure that they’re ready.”

He did, however, acknowledge potential adjustments to kickoff times in cities with extreme summer heat, citing lessons learned during the Club World Cup held earlier this year in the U.S.

The full World Cup match schedule will be revealed after the draw on December 5 in Washington D.C., with time zones and broadcaster input shaping the final details.

As critics and supporters alike weigh in on Israel’s place in global football, Montagliani’s statement reflects a growing consensus: that sport must navigate political tensions with structure and fairness, respecting the governing roles of regional bodies.

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