🔗 Share this article FAI Backs Resolution Urging European Football Ban on Israeli Teams The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to submit a formal motion to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israeli football from continental club and international tournaments. Grounds for the Proposed Ban This motion, which was proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the IFA of two key Uefa statutes. Inability to implement and enforce an effective policy against racism. Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the consent of the Palestinian Football Association. Ballot Results and Future Actions According to an announcement from the Irish FA, the resolution was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two abstentions. The association plans to officially present this request to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the immediate suspension of the IFA from Uefa competitions. In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was posed to members. It passed by a large margin. Previous Uefa Deliberations The European body had previously paused intentions to exclude Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area. Although Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were understood to be well developed. Global Backdrop The FAI move follows comparable calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football. These appeals were made after UN specialists urged Fifa and Uefa to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict. The Israeli government has rejected these allegations and labeled the findings as scandalous. Potential Ramifications If European football's authority decide to suspend the IFA, it would likely create tension with the United States government – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure. Even though Uefa 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.