Football Association of Ireland Approves Resolution Urging Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams
The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to submit a official proposal to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental club and international tournaments.
Basis of the Proposed Suspension
The resolution, that had been put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted alleged breaches by the IFA of a couple of important Uefa statutes.
- Inability to implement and enforce an effective policy against racism.
- Establishment of clubs in disputed territories lacking the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.
Ballot Results and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the Irish FA, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 not voting.
The association intends to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, asking for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions.
During a special assembly of the FAI, an standard motion was put to delegates. It passed by a majority.
Earlier European Deliberations
The European body had previously put on hold plans to ban Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the area.
Although Uefa never officially confirmed contemplating an special session on the issue, plans were believed to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
This Irish resolution comes after similar calls in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for banning Israel from international competition.
These appeals were issued after United Nations experts urged Fifa and Uefa to ban Israel, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
Israel has denied these allegations and labeled the report as outrageous.
Potential Consequences
Should Uefa decide to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.
Even though the European body has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under world football's governing body.