The exclusive report by Israel Hayom, which detailed the possibility of Israel being imminently expelled from UEFA, naturally caused a massive storm across continents but also eventually prompted an intense struggle over a matter that had previously stayed below the radar: Who will stand alongside Israel if and when the vote – which has successfully been stalled for the time being – takes place, partly due to European and US officials and Jewish diplomats who are lobbying behind the scenes for Israel’s benefit?
President Donald Trump, holding the World Cup trophy, has been working behind the scenes to prevent Israel’s expulsion (background: Israel’s national team plays a qualifier match) / Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP;,REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst;
At this juncture, it is impossible to know when, if at all, a vote will occur. Nonetheless, it should be recalled that certain forces do not cast votes yet are actively working on Israel’s behalf backstage. A notable instance of this is Sándor Csányi, the chairman of the Hungarian Football Federation and the UEFA treasurer.
President Donald Trump, holding the World Cup trophy, has been working behind the scenes to prevent Israel’s expulsion from FIFA, the world’s governing body, which has also faced calls to expel Israel. Even if UEFA expels it, it might not be applicable to the summer games, although Israel first has to qualify.
For Israel:
Germany – Hans-Joachim Watzke, the former CEO of Borussia Dortmund and the vice chairman of the German Football Association. If he could be presented to articulate Israel’s position not only regarding soccer but also in the broader context – Israel’s global standing would be significantly better. He is a genuine friend of Israeli football and the Jewish people. However, if the matter reaches a vote, he might choose to abstain to safeguard the interests of Germany, a major football power. What is certain is that he will not vote against Israel.
Czech Republic – Petr Fousek, who served until recently as the Czech Football Association president, continues to represent the country on the organization’s executive committee. The Czech Republic is counted as one of Israel’s closest allies, even following October 7 and the protracted war. Relations between the associations are solid, and he is anticipated to vote in Israel’s favor.
Armenia – Relations between the two countries are cordial, and Armenia will likely oppose expelling Israel and even back Israel – primarily due to interests extending beyond the realm of soccer. Football Federation of Armenia President Armen Melikbekyan is the official representative, and all forecasts indicate that he will vote against expulsion.
Turkey fans with a Palestinian flag before the match on June 22, 2024 (Reuters / Kacper Pempel)
Albania – This Muslim nation in Europe has been open about its support for Israel over the last two years. Here too, forces not directly connected to sports are involved, but behind the scenes, the Albanians are considered true friends of Israel and Israeli soccer. Armand Duka, the Albanian Football Association chairman, will serve as the representative in the vote, and it is difficult to imagine him abandoning Israel.
Georgia – Levan Kobiashvili, the chairman of the local Georgian Football Federation, is both a politician and a former football player. It can be cautiously suggested that he will not cast a vote against Israel. As is typical in these situations, circumstances can shift rapidly – but the prevailing assumption is that Georgia will support Israel should a vote take place.
Wavering countries:
Croatia – Ostensibly, the Croatians are not counted among Israel’s greatest supporters. However, since these topics extend beyond sports, it is hard to ascertain how effective Israel’s influence is, or how the political alliances involving Croatia will shape its decision. Croatian Football Federation President Marijan Kustić is the representative.
Slovenia – UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin is viewed as a personal friend of the Israel Football Association Chairman Shino Zoaretz. So why is he on the wavering list? Because he too is subjected to numerous pressures and interests, especially the immense Qatari influence being exerted upon UEFA members.
Denmark – Jesper Møller Christensen, the current chairman of the Danish Football Association, is expected to vote against Israel. Yet, among the Scandinavian nations – the Danes might surprisingly be one of the few in the region who will stand by Israel.
Switzerland – Claudius Schäfer, the CEO of the Swiss Super League, is expected to maintain a neutral stance, but there is a possibility that in the event of a formal vote, he will vote against Israel.
