Israel in line for World Cup qualifying reprieve even if Uefa imposes ban

Ban would take in Nations League and Europa League

Israel's midfielder Ethane Azoulay battles with Belgium's Albert Sambi Lokonga in a UEFA Nations League tie. Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images

Uefa is expected to avoid trying to block Israel from World Cup qualifying as the European governing body considers measures against the country’s football association.

Under plans being worked out by Uefa that are expected to be voted on by its executive committee (exco) this week, the Guardian understands Israel would be banned only from competitions that Uefa directly controls. That means the Israel men’s and women’s national teams would be excluded from the Nations League and Maccabi Tel Aviv would be removed from the Europa League this season.