Former FIGC (Italian Football Federation) director, Antonello Valentini, recently addressed the ongoing discussion regarding the potential suspension of Israel from UEFA competitions. Speaking on *TMW Radio`s Maracanà*, Valentini provided clarity on the regulatory framework surrounding such an unprecedented situation.
Valentini explained that a commission from the United Nations has formally urged both FIFA and UEFA to consider excluding Israel from international football events. This development follows reports from *The Times* suggesting a possible ban by UEFA.
UEFA vs. FIFA: A Key Distinction
He highlighted a critical distinction concerning the authority responsible for such exclusions: “UEFA, acting independently, possesses the power to exclude Israeli club teams from European cups. However, any decisions pertaining to national teams fall squarely under FIFA`s jurisdiction. This clarification is essential.”
To date, UEFA has not taken any official action. The issue was not discussed at its most recent executive meeting in Albania, with the next gathering scheduled for December 3rd. Valentini speculated that UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin might convene an urgent executive committee meeting to deliberate on the matter.
“I anticipate that UEFA could potentially adopt a political statement, thereby pressing FIFA to make a definitive decision regarding Israel`s exclusion from competitions,” Valentini suggested.
Implications for Italy`s Qualification
Regarding the proposal to forgo the match scheduled for October 14th in Udine, Valentini stated that such a move is highly improbable, as the FIGC lacks the authority to unilaterally cancel a match.
He further outlined two crucial scenarios if FIFA and UEFA were to decide on Israel`s exclusion:
- If Israel is officially excluded, Italy would mathematically secure a playoff spot, and Norway would mathematically claim the top position in their group.
- Conversely, if the match with Israel were simply not played without an official exclusion, Italy would lose its slim remaining hope of surpassing Norway at the top of the standings.
Valentini concluded by emphasizing his focus solely on the regulatory aspects, deliberately abstaining from any political evaluations of the situation.
