FAI Approves Motion Calling for European Football Ban on Israeli Teams
Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a formal motion to Uefa, calling for the banning of Israeli football from all European team and national competitions.
Basis of the Recommended Ban
This motion, which was put forward by Irish side Bohemians, highlighted alleged breaches by the IFA of two key Uefa statutes.
- Inability to apply and uphold an effective policy against racism.
- Organisation of football teams in disputed territories lacking the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.
Ballot Results and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the Irish FA, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and 2 abstentions.
They intends to formally submit this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the prompt ban of the IFA from European tournaments.
During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It was approved by a majority.
Previous European Considerations
Uefa had earlier put on hold plans to exclude Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area.
Although they never publicly stated considering an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were believed to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
This Irish resolution follows comparable calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.
Those requests were issued after UN specialists 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.
The Israeli government has rejected these claims and described the report as scandalous.
Potential Consequences
Should European football's authority choose to suspend the IFA, it would probably strain relations with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an measure.
Although the European body has the power to suspend Israeli teams from its tournaments, it might not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under Fifa.
