Football Association of Ireland Approves Resolution Calling for European Football Ban on Israel
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israeli football from all European club and international tournaments.
Basis of the Proposed Ban
The resolution, that had been put forward by Irish side Bohemians, cited claimed violations by the Israel Football Association of two important European football regulations.
- Inability to implement and enforce an proper anti-racism policy.
- Organisation of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestrian FA.
Vote Outcome and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 opposed and two abstentions.
The association plans to officially present this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, seeking the prompt ban of the IFA from European tournaments.
In an extraordinary general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It was approved by a majority.
Previous Uefa Deliberations
The European body had earlier put on hold intentions to exclude Israel at the close of last month, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the region.
Although Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the matter, plans were believed to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
The FAI resolution comes after similar calls in last autumn from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for banning Israel from global football.
These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged Fifa and Uefa to ban 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 Consequences
Should Uefa choose to ban Israel, it would probably create tension with the United States government – co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.
Although the European body has the authority to exclude Israeli teams from its tournaments, it might not be able to stop them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.
