🔗 Share this article FAI Backs Motion Seeking European Football Ban on Israel The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israeli football from all European club and international tournaments. Grounds for the Recommended Ban The resolution, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, cited claimed violations by the IFA of a couple of important Uefa statutes. Failure to apply and uphold an proper anti-racism policy. Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestrian FA. Vote Outcome and Next Steps According to an announcement from the Irish FA, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with 7 opposed and two not voting. They plans to formally submit this request to the UEFA's decision-making body, seeking the immediate suspension of the IFA from Uefa competitions. During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It was approved by a majority. Previous European Deliberations The European body had earlier put on hold intentions to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region. While they never publicly stated considering an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were understood to be well developed. International Context This Irish move comes after comparable calls in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for banning Israel from global football. These appeals were made after UN specialists urged world and European football bodies to ban Israel, citing a UN investigation that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict. The Israeli government has rejected these allegations and described the report as scandalous. Possible Consequences Should Uefa decide to suspend the IFA, it would likely strain relations with the US administration – co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action. Even though Uefa has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in World Cup qualifiers, which is governed by Fifa.