Explained: Why Palestine are playing in AFC Asian Cup, but Israel are not?

Despite being located in Asia, Israel are not part of the Asian Football Confederation.

In the world of football, geopolitical realities often influence the participation of nations in continental competitions. The case of Palestine and Israel at the AFC Asian Cup is a prime example of how political complexities spill over into sports. While Palestine actively compete at AFC-organized tournaments, Israel, on the other hand, find themselves excluded despite being geographically located in Asia. This divergence is rooted in the historical, geopolitical and socio-cultural dynamics of the Middle East.

The Complex History

To understand the situation, one must delve into the historical context of the region. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which emerged in the mid-20th century, has been a contentious issue in international relations. The establishment of the state of Israel in 1948 resulted in displacement of and conflict with the Palestinian people. The Arab-Israeli wars further deepened the animosity, leading to a lack of recognition of Israel’s sovereignty by many Arab and Muslim-majority nations.

Arab and Muslim-majority nations’ position

According to reports, a significant factor in Israel’s absence from the AFC Asian Cup is the stance taken by Arab and Muslim-majority nations. A substantial number of these countries have refrained from recognizing Israel as a sovereign state, citing solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This political stance extends beyond diplomatic relations and permeates various aspects of international engagement, including sports.

While some Arab nations have signed peace treaties with Israel over the years, a broader consensus acknowledging Israel’s right to exist has been elusive. This lack of recognition has had repercussions in the field of football, with certain nations voicing opposition to participating in competitions where Israel is involved.

Geopolitics and expulsion from AFC

Israel participated in the AFC competitions in 1954 and hosted the AFC Asian Cup in 1964. However, 11 out of 16 Muslim-majority nations pulled out of the competition due to Israel being given the hosting rights. Israel went on to win the competition after defeating South Korea, India and Hong Kong.

In 1974, during the Asian Games, Kuwait took a controversial stance that resulted in Israel’s expulsion from the AFC. The episode was triggered by a motion initiated by Kuwait, in which the oil-rich nation, alongside North Korea, refused to compete against Israel.

The national team participated in the 1982 World Cup European Qualifiers and later joined Oceania’s qualification for the subsequent two tournaments.

Europe’s friendliness toward Israel

In contrast to the Arab and Muslim-majority nations, the majority of European countries have recognized Israel and maintained diplomatic ties. Israel has slowly become an active participant in European competitions. The process began in 1991, when Israeli clubs participated in European competitions and by 1994 Israel was recognized as a full member of UEFA.

Europe’s friendliness towards Israel in football can be seen as a reflection of broader geopolitical alliances and diplomatic relations. The historical ties between Israel and several European nations have contributed to a more inclusive stance at sporting events, fostering an environment where Israel is welcomed as a participant.

AFC Asian Cup and Palestine’s participation

On the other side of the spectrum, Palestine has actively participated in AFC competitions, representing a different set of geopolitical circumstances. The Palestinian national football team, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, has managed to establish itself as a contender on the Asian football scene.

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