The role of Israel in World Football must be determined by UEFA, says FIFA Vice-President Montagliani

The constant participation of Israel in international football must primarily be treated by the European administrative body UEFA, said FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani on Wednesday.

UEFA was expected to keep an emergency mood this week to suspend Israel from European competition during the war in Gaza.

However, British media reported that the continental body decided to postpone a proposed vote after the announcement of the 20-point plan of the US President Donald Trump to end the war in the region.

Israel is third in group I of the qualifying phase for next year’s World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Amnesty International sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA on Wednesday that called them to suspend the Israel Football Association.

Montagliani, president of the North and Central America and the Caribbean football federation Concacaf, said that it was up to UEFA to arrange about Israel’s participation.

Read also | UN experts insist on FIFA, UEFA to suspend Israel about accusations of genocide

«First and foremost, the (Israel) member of UEFA is no different than I have to deal with a member of my region for whatever reason … they have to deal with that,» Montagliani said reporters on the leaders of the Business Conference leaders.

«And I not only respect their process, but whatever decision they make.»

Montagliani will attend the FIFA meeting in Zurich on Thursday, where the issue of the participation of Israel is not on the agenda, nor is the proposal from the South American Federation Conmebol to expand the World Cup 2030 to 64 teams.

No plans to relocate competitions from current locations

Next year’s World Cup from 11 June July will be the largest ever to be extended to 48 teams of 32.

Montagliani insisted that no games of planned locations would be moved, even though Trump said last month that he would consider moving competitions from cities that he did not consider safe.

«If I have to respond every time a politician makes a statement, whether it is a president or senator or congressman … then I would not do my work because I would concentrate on what these guys say,» the Canadian added.

«So the reality is, we are focused on the 16 locations and ensure that they are ready to go …»

Montagliani said, however, that the kick -off times at certain locations could be changed after the experience of the World Cup was organized earlier this year in the US, where a few competitions took place in extreme heat and humidity.

«It is always a problem in our region, because the summers are hot … Even in Canada they are hot, not only the US, and so it is important to learn those things,» he added.

The full competition schedule will be announced after the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington DC

Montagliani said there were daily discussions with global broadcasters and that time differences would be taken into account.

Published on October 1, 2025