UEFA is preparing to vote next week on whether to suspend Israel from European football competitions.
A large majority of the body's executive committee now supports the move, with discussions held at the highest level over the past week, according to media reports.
The new vote comes despite US pressure stopping the body imposing a ban earlier this week.
The decision comes after a United Nations Commission of Inquiry concluded there were “reasonable grounds” to determine Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
Eight independent UN human rights experts urged UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel's membership, stressing that sporting institutions "must not turn a blind eye to grave human rights violations".
The UN Human Rights Office said the measure would be a “necessary response” to Israel’s war on Gaza, adding that sanctions should target states, not individual players.
The precedent of Russia’s suspension in 2022, following its invasion of Ukraine, has been repeatedly cited by campaigners, who argue UEFA should not apply double standards.
Public condemnation on the field
Pressure on European football authorities has grown both inside and outside stadiums.
Fans across the continent have unfurled banners reading "Stop Genocide in Gaza" and "Show Israel the Red Card". In August, UEFA itself displayed a rare message at the Super Cup final: "Stop Killing Children, Stop Killing Civilians."
Spain has also threatened to boycott the 2026 World Cup if it qualifies alongside Israel. Patxi Lopez, spokesperson for the governing Socialist Workers’ Party, said Madrid "cannot and will not remain silent" in the face of Israel’s military actions.
Several European clubs have already requested not to face Israeli opponents in UEFA competitions.
Any UEFA ban would pave the way for FIFA to take similar action.
However, Washington is reportedly lobbying against Israel’s exclusion, with a US official telling Sky News the administration would "work to fully stop any effort to attempt to ban Israel’s national soccer team from the World Cup", which the United States will co-host in 2026.
If suspended, Israel’s national team would be forced out of UEFA competitions, effectively ending its qualification bid for the 2026 World Cup.
Israeli clubs, including Maccabi Tel Aviv, would also be barred from the Europa League and Champions League.