FAI Backs Resolution Urging European Football Ban on Israeli Teams

Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a official proposal to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israeli football from all European club and international competitions.

Basis of the Proposed Ban

This motion, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted alleged violations by the IFA of a couple of key Uefa statutes.

  • Inability to apply and uphold an effective anti-racism policy.
  • Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.

Ballot Results and Future Actions

As stated in an announcement from the Irish FA, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with seven against and 2 not voting.

They plans to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the prompt ban of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.

During a special assembly of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It passed by a large margin.

Earlier Uefa Deliberations

Uefa had previously paused intentions to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the region.

While Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the matter, plans were understood to be quite advanced.

Global Backdrop

This Irish resolution follows similar calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from international competition.

Those requests were issued after UN specialists urged world and European football bodies to ban the Israeli FA, citing a UN investigation that accused Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.

The Israeli government has denied these allegations and described the report as scandalous.

Potential Ramifications

Should Uefa choose to ban Israel, it would probably strain relations with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an measure.

Even though Uefa has the authority to suspend Israel or its clubs from European competitions, it may not be able to stop them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under Fifa.

Elizabeth Hanna
Elizabeth Hanna

A passionate web developer and designer with over a decade of experience, specializing in responsive design and user experience optimization.