Football Association of Ireland Backs Resolution Calling for European Football Ban on Israel
The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israeli football from continental club and international tournaments.
Basis of the Proposed Ban
The resolution, that had been put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged breaches by the IFA of a couple of important European football regulations.
- Failure to apply and uphold an proper anti-racism policy.
- Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Vote Outcome and Next Steps
As stated in an announcement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and two 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 European tournaments.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an standard motion was put to delegates. It passed by a large margin.
Previous European Considerations
The European body had earlier put on hold intentions to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the area.
Although they never officially confirmed considering an special session on the issue, plans were believed to be well developed.
International Context
This Irish resolution comes after comparable calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football.
These appeals were made after UN specialists asked Fifa and Uefa to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that claimed the country of acts of genocide during the war in Gaza.
Israel has denied these allegations and described the report as scandalous.
Potential Consequences
If European football's authority decide to suspend the IFA, it would probably strain relations with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.
Although the European body has the power to exclude Israel or its clubs from European competitions, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under world football's governing body.