UEFA has shelved plans to boot Israel out of European competition in the wake of Donald Trump’s peace plan.
The continent’s governing body had been considering holding an emergency meeting of its executive committee next week amid reports a majority were in favour of a ban.
However, the US president has now launched a bid to bring an end to the war in Gaza – a move which has seen UEFA effectively put its foot on the ball.
While the situation did not get to the stage where a meeting was arranged, officials will now take a wait-and-see stance.
US president Trump has backing from eight countries on his 20-point plan aimed at ending the devastating, near two-year conflict.
It includes a process of demilitarisation and redevelopment, with former PM Sir Tony Blair becoming the first named member of a ‘Board of Peace’, chaired by Trump. The body would temporarily oversee Gaza’s governance if the plan is accepted by Hamas.
UEFA has shelved plans to kick Israel out of European competitions in response to Donald Trump’s peace plan
Trump’s 20-point plan to end the war has already been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Israel has been a member of UEFA since 1984. The involvement of its clubs in European competitions has triggered anger in certain quarters. At the Super Cup Final in August a UEFA banner reading ‘Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians’ was raised.
Some European sides have asked if they could avoid playing teams from Israel.
Israel are currently third in Group I of World Cup qualifying. Had UEFA pressed ahead with a ban, it would be unlikely to stop them playing in the qualifiers given the tournament itself is organised by FIFA.
