An unbeaten club can be immediately eliminated from the Europa League

UEFA is preparing to vote on suspending Israel from European football competitions, which could lead to Maccabi Tel Aviv being instantly removed from the Europa League, causing a major shock to the tournament.

According to The Times, the majority of UEFA's Executive Committee members support the suspension measure, with a decision expected as early as next week. If the ban is enforced, Israeli clubs will be barred from participating in any UEFA-organized competitions. This means Maccabi Tel Aviv, currently competing in the league phase Europa Leaguemay have to exit the tournament prematurely, despite having already played one match and earned a point against PAOK.

This scenario is considered one of the harshest disciplinary actions UEFA has ever imposed on a member association. It not only affects the national team but also directly impacts clubs, particularly Maccabi Tel Aviv — a historically significant and prominent club in Israeli football.

Currently, Maccabi Tel Aviv ranks 21st out of 36 in the Europa League league phase standings. They still have a good chance to advance if they complete their remaining matches. However, if the suspension is enacted, all their efforts will be wiped out. This would be a severe blow not only to the club but also to the Europa League, as the sudden withdrawal would disrupt the schedule and standings.

UEFA has not yet announced an official date for the vote, but multiple sources confirm the organization aims to reach a decision before the international break in early October. If this happens as planned, it is highly likely that Maccabi Tel Aviv will not play any further European matches this season.

In the past, UEFA has suspended some member countries, but eliminating a club mid-season is always seen as an extreme measure. This could set a rare precedent, drawing significant attention from the European football community.

The future of Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League stands at a critical crossroads. If eliminated, the club will not only lose the opportunity to compete on the continental stage but also suffer major financial, branding, and long-term planning setbacks. For UEFA, this decision will reshape the tournament’s dynamics and potentially open the door for another team to gain an advantage in the group competition.

Fans can only wait for UEFA’s official ruling. Once the suspension of Israel is approved, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s journey in the 2025/26 Europa League will come to an abrupt end just as it has begun.

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