🔗 Share this article

Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to submit a formal motion to Uefa, demanding the banning of Israeli football from continental team and national tournaments.

Grounds for the Recommended Suspension

This motion, that had been proposed 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 without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.

Ballot Results and Next Steps

According to an official statement from the Irish FA, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 not voting.

The association plans to officially present this request 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 standard motion was put to delegates. It passed by a majority.

Earlier Uefa Deliberations

Uefa had earlier paused plans to exclude Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area.

While they never publicly stated considering an special session on the matter, preparations were believed to be quite advanced.

Global Backdrop

This Irish resolution comes after comparable calls in September from the heads of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for banning Israel from global football.

These appeals were made after United Nations experts asked 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.

Israel has rejected these claims and described the report as outrageous.

Possible Consequences

Should Uefa decide to suspend the IFA, it would probably strain relations with the US administration – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.

Although the European body has the authority to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.