FAI Approves Motion Calling for European Football Ban on Israel
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to submit a formal motion to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israel from all European team and national tournaments.
Grounds for the Recommended Suspension
The resolution, which was proposed by Irish side Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the IFA of two key European football regulations.
- Inability to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
- Organisation of football teams in disputed territories without the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.
Vote Outcome and Next Steps
According to an official statement from the FAI, the resolution was backed by 74 votes, with 7 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 IFA from European tournaments.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was put to delegates. It passed by a majority.
Earlier Uefa Deliberations
Uefa had previously paused plans to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the region.
Although they never publicly stated contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the matter, preparations were believed to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
This Irish resolution comes after comparable calls in last autumn from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for Israel's suspension from global football.
These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged Fifa and Uefa to ban Israel, referencing 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 labeled the findings as scandalous.
Possible Consequences
If European football's authority decide to ban the IFA, it would likely create tension with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.
Although the European body has the power to exclude Israeli teams from its tournaments, it might not be able to stop them from taking part in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by world football's governing body.