Why does the Israel national team play in Europe? A story that began with expulsion from Asia

The recent encounters between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in the UEFA Nations League have sparked widespread controversy, following significant tension related to the war in Palestine. This led Irish national team coach Stephen Kenny to call on UEFA to intervene and take action, expressing his desire not to face the Israeli team again.

The two matches were held at neutral venues, with the Republic of Ireland winning the first leg 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, before the teams drew 1-1 in the second leg in Backa Topola, Serbia. Both encounters saw protests, tensions, and controversial moments, amid widespread support for the Palestinian cause within Ireland.

The question arises: why does the Israel national team participate in European competitions despite being geographically located in Asia?

The story of Israel in Asia began when its football association joined the Asian Football Confederation in 1956, culminating in winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1964. However, Asian participation quickly collided with political tensions, as Arab and Islamic countries refused to face the Israeli team, leading to an increase in boycotts, until the Israeli football association was expelled from the Asian Football Confederation in 1974.

After leaving the AFC, Israel remained without official membership in any continental federation for nearly 20 years, but participated during that time in qualifiers and matches across different regions, including Oceania and Europe. In 1994, the football association of Israel became an official member of UEFA, allowing its national teams and clubs to participate in all European competitions.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel has not hosted its official matches at home due to security concerns, and therefore its matches are being played at neutral venues outside its territory. As a result, its national team and clubs continue to participate in European competitions under the UEFA umbrella, despite its geographical location in Asia.