FAI Passes Resolution Urging Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams
The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to present a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the banning of Israeli football from all European team and national competitions.
Basis of the Recommended Ban
The resolution, which was put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited claimed breaches by the IFA of two key European football regulations.
- Inability to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
- Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Next Steps
As stated in an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 abstentions.
The association intends to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions.
During a special assembly of the FAI, an standard motion was posed to members. It passed by a majority.
Earlier European Considerations
The European body had previously put on hold plans to ban Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.
Although they never officially confirmed contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were understood to be well developed.
International Context
This Irish move comes after similar demands in September from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.
These appeals were issued after United Nations experts asked Fifa and Uefa to ban Israel, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused the country of acts of genocide during the war in Gaza.
The Israeli government has rejected these claims and labeled the report as outrageous.
Potential Ramifications
If European football's authority decide to ban the IFA, it would probably create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.
Although the European body has the power to exclude Israeli teams from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by world football's governing body.