FAI Approves Resolution Urging Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams
The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to submit a formal motion to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental team and national tournaments.
Grounds for the Proposed Ban
The resolution, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted claimed breaches by the IFA of a couple of important European football regulations.
- Failure to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
- Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.
Vote Outcome and Future Actions
According to an announcement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and 2 abstentions.
The association plans to formally submit this request to the Uefa executive committee, asking for the prompt ban of the IFA from Uefa competitions.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It passed by a majority.
Earlier Uefa Deliberations
Uefa had earlier put on hold intentions to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.
While Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the matter, preparations were understood to be well developed.
International Backdrop
The FAI resolution follows similar demands in September from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.
These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to suspend Israel, referencing a UN commission of inquiry report that claimed the country of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
Israel has rejected these claims and labeled the report as scandalous.
Potential Consequences
Should European football's authority choose to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.
Although the European body has the power to suspend Israeli teams from European competitions, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by world football's governing body.
