Football Association of Ireland Backs Resolution Urging Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams
Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israel from all European club and international tournaments.
Grounds for the Proposed Ban
This motion, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the IFA of a couple of important European football regulations.
- Inability to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
- Organisation of football teams in disputed territories lacking the consent of the Palestrian FA.
Vote Outcome and Next Steps
As stated in an announcement from the Irish FA, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 abstentions.
The association intends to officially present this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the prompt ban of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.
During a special assembly of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It passed by a majority.
Earlier European Deliberations
The European body had previously put on hold plans to ban Israeli football at the close of last month, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the region.
Although Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the issue, preparations were believed to be well developed.
International Backdrop
The FAI resolution follows 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 accused Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
The Israeli government has rejected these claims and labeled the findings as scandalous.
Potential Consequences
Should European football's authority decide to suspend the IFA, it would likely create tension with the United States government – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.
Although Uefa has the power to exclude Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under Fifa.