Football Association of Ireland Backs Motion Calling for European Football Ban on Israel
The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to present a official proposal to Uefa, demanding the exclusion of Israeli football from continental club and international competitions.
Basis of the Proposed Ban
The resolution, that had been put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged breaches by the Israel Football Association of a couple of important European football regulations.
- Inability to apply and uphold an effective anti-racism policy.
- Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Next Steps
As stated in an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with seven against and 2 abstentions.
The association plans to formally submit this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, seeking the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions.
During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was posed to members. It was approved by a majority.
Earlier European Considerations
Uefa had earlier put on hold intentions to ban Israel at the close of last month, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the area.
While they never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the matter, plans were understood to be quite advanced.
Global Backdrop
The FAI move follows similar calls in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for banning Israel from global football.
These appeals were issued after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, referencing a UN investigation that accused the country of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
The Israeli government has denied these allegations and labeled the findings as scandalous.
Possible Ramifications
Should European football's authority decide to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.
Although the European body has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it might not be able to stop them from competing in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by world football's governing body.
