FAI Backs Resolution Seeking European Football Ban on Israel

Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a formal motion to European football's governing body, demanding the banning of Israeli football from continental club and international competitions.

Basis of the Proposed Ban

The resolution, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted alleged violations by the IFA of two important Uefa statutes.

  • Failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
  • Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.

Ballot Results and Next Steps

As stated in an announcement from the FAI, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two not voting.

They intends to officially present this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the immediate suspension of the IFA from European tournaments.

During a special assembly of the FAI, an standard motion was put to members. It was approved by a majority.

Earlier European Considerations

The European body had previously put on hold plans to ban Israeli football at the close of last month, following the announcement of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the area.

While they never publicly stated contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were believed to be quite advanced.

International Backdrop

The FAI move comes after comparable demands in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for banning Israel from international competition.

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

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

Potential Consequences

Should European football's authority choose to suspend the IFA, it would likely create tension with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.

Although the European body has the authority to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it might not be able to stop them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under world football's governing body.

William Ware
William Ware

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