UEFA halts Israel ban after Trump’s Gaza peace plan
UEFA has decided to withdraw from plans to ban Israel from European competitions following the presentation of a peace plan by former U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the war in Gaza, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.
The European football governing body had scheduled an emergency meeting of its Executive Committee amid reports that a majority of members supported banning Israeli teams. However, Trump’s initiative — a 20-point plan involving demilitarization and reconstruction — has led UEFA to adopt a wait-and-see approach.
The plan has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and is backed by eight countries. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has been appointed the first member of the "Peace Board," which would temporarily oversee Gaza if the proposal is approved.
Israel has been a UEFA member since 1984, though its participation has often sparked controversy. A ban would have also complicated World Cup qualifiers, which are under FIFA’s jurisdiction. This development is expected to ease pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is seen as a close ally of Trump.
