Israel winning the 1964 AFC Asian Cup. Source: Government Press Office (Israel), CC BY-SA 3.0

Why does Israel, an Asia country, play in Europe and joined UEFA (Union of European Football Association) instead of AFC (Asia Football Confederation)? By its geography Israel is definitely an Asian, so why does it play in Europe?

It all began in 1958, Indonesia almost made history by qualifying for the 1958 World Cup. But it decided not to compete because its opponent was Israel. Not only Indonesia, a number of Middle Eastern countries also refused to compete with Israel. Egypt and Sudan also refused to compete.

There were 16 spots available in the 1958 World Cup, Asia (AFC) and Africa (CAF) got 1 place, contested by 11 teams, including Israel. And guess what? Israel won the place without playing a single game. All Asia and Africa teams were refused to play against Israel as a solidarity act to Palestine.

Majority of Asia and Africa countries were newly independent at that time, they got their independence in 1940-1950 from European colonialism. The spirit of anti-colonialism was high among them. They even held the first major event for Asian and African countries in 1955: Bandung Conference. The Conference came to a consensus that colonialism in all of its manifestations was condemned. That's why Israel invasion's to Palestinian territory was not accepted by Asia-Africa countries.

The tension was high, then 1973 Arab-Israeli war happened. The war led to boycott by Arab countries and caused oil shock, oil price was tripled due to the boycott. In 1974 Asian Games, Kuwait and North Korea refused to play against Israel. In the same year Kuwait's proposal to remove Israel from AFC was approved by AFC members. Since then Israel wandered in football desert.

Israel briefly joined Oceania in 1974, but the geographical barrier was too high since they must travel too far to do a match. In 1991 Israeli clubs started to compete in Europe, and finally after 20 years Israel received full membership from UEFA in 1994.

Actually competing in Europe hurts Israel chance to qualify to World Cup since there are many football powerhouse countries in Europe. Israel's chance is higher in Asia, but geopolitics prevent it from joining AFC.