Football Association of Ireland Backs Motion Seeking Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams

Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a formal motion to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental club and international competitions.

Basis of the Proposed Ban

This motion, that had been proposed by Irish side Bohemians, cited claimed violations by the Israel Football Association of a couple of key Uefa statutes.

• Inability to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
• Organisation of football teams in disputed territories without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.

Ballot Results and Next Steps

As stated in an official statement from the Irish FA, the resolution was backed by 74 votes, with 7 opposed and two not voting.

The association intends to officially present this request to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the prompt ban of the IFA from Uefa competitions.

During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an standard motion was posed to members. It passed by a majority.

Earlier Uefa Considerations

The European body had previously put on hold plans to exclude Israeli football at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.

While Uefa never officially confirmed considering an special session on the matter, plans were understood to be quite advanced.

International Backdrop

The FAI resolution comes after comparable calls in last autumn from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for Israel's suspension from global football.

These appeals were issued after UN specialists asked world and European football bodies to suspend Israel, referencing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the war in Gaza.

The Israeli government has rejected these allegations and labeled the findings as outrageous.

Potential Ramifications

If Uefa decide to suspend the IFA, it would probably create tension with the United States government – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.

Even though the European body has the authority to exclude Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it might not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by world football's governing body.