FAI Approves Resolution Calling for European Football Ban on Israeli Teams
The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to submit a formal motion to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israel from continental team and national tournaments.
Grounds for the Proposed Ban
The resolution, that had been put forward by Irish side Bohemians, cited alleged breaches by the Israel Football Association of a couple of key European football regulations.
- Failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
- Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Vote Outcome and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two abstentions.
They plans to formally submit this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, seeking the prompt ban of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It passed by a large margin.
Previous Uefa Considerations
The European body had earlier put on hold intentions to ban Israel at the end of September, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the region.
Although Uefa never officially confirmed considering an special session on the matter, preparations were understood to be quite advanced.
Global Backdrop
This Irish resolution follows comparable demands in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.
Those requests were made after United Nations experts asked world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN investigation that accused Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.
Israel has denied these claims and described the report as scandalous.
Possible Consequences
Should European football's authority decide to suspend Israel, it would probably strain relations with the United States government – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.
Even though Uefa has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in World Cup qualifiers, which falls under Fifa.
