FAI Passes Resolution Calling for Uefa 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 banning of Israeli football from all European club and international competitions.
Basis of the Proposed Suspension
This motion, which was put forward by Irish side Bohemians, highlighted claimed violations by the Israel Football Association of two key European football regulations.
- Failure to implement and enforce an proper policy against racism.
- Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Next Steps
As stated in an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and two abstentions.
The association plans to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, asking for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was put to delegates. It passed by a large margin.
Previous European Deliberations
The European body had earlier paused intentions to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the area.
While they never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the matter, plans were believed to be well developed.
International Context
The FAI resolution follows similar calls in September from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football.
These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to ban Israel, citing a UN investigation that claimed Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
The Israeli government has rejected these claims and labeled the report as outrageous.
Possible Consequences
If Uefa choose to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.
Even though Uefa has the power to suspend Israeli teams from European competitions, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.
