Football Association of Ireland Approves Resolution Calling for European Football Ban on Israeli Teams
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to submit a formal motion to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental club and international tournaments.
Basis of the Recommended Ban
This motion, that had been put forward by Irish side Bohemians, cited claimed breaches by the Israel Football Association of a couple of key Uefa statutes.
- Inability to apply and uphold an effective policy against racism.
- Organisation of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the consent of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Future Actions
As stated in an official statement from the Irish FA, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and two abstentions.
The association intends to formally submit this motion to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the immediate suspension of the IFA from European tournaments.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It was approved by a large margin.
Previous European Considerations
Uefa had earlier paused plans to exclude Israeli football at the close of last month, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the area.
While they never officially confirmed considering an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were believed to be well developed.
International Backdrop
This Irish resolution follows similar calls in last autumn from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.
Those requests were made after UN specialists asked Fifa and Uefa to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that claimed the country of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict.
The Israeli government has denied these allegations and labeled the report as scandalous.
Potential Consequences
Should Uefa choose to suspend Israel, it would probably strain relations with the United States government – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.
Even though 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 qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.
