FAI Passes Resolution Seeking European Football Ban on Israeli Teams
The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israel from continental club and international tournaments.
Grounds for the Proposed Ban
This motion, which was put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged breaches by the IFA of a couple of important European football regulations.
- Inability to implement and enforce an proper anti-racism policy.
- Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.
Vote Outcome and Next Steps
According to an official statement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with seven against and two not voting.
They plans to formally submit this request to the Uefa executive committee, asking for the prompt ban of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.
During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was posed to delegates. It was approved by a majority.
Earlier European Deliberations
The European body had previously put on hold intentions to ban Israeli football at the close of last month, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the region.
Although they never publicly stated considering an special session on the matter, plans were understood to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
The FAI move comes after similar demands in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for banning Israel from international competition.
These appeals were issued after United Nations experts asked world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, referencing a UN investigation that claimed Israel of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.
Israel has rejected these allegations and labeled the findings as outrageous.
Possible Ramifications
Should Uefa decide to ban Israel, it would likely strain relations with the United States government – co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.
Even though Uefa has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by world football's governing body.
