FAI Backs Motion Urging European Football Ban on Israel
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, demanding the banning of Israel from all European team and national competitions.
Grounds for the Proposed Ban
The resolution, which was put forward by Irish side Bohemians, highlighted claimed breaches by the IFA of two key Uefa statutes.
- Inability to implement and enforce an proper policy against racism.
- Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Future Actions
According to an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and 2 not voting.
The association intends to officially present this motion to the Uefa executive committee, asking for the prompt ban of the IFA from European tournaments.
During a special assembly of the FAI, an standard motion was put to members. It passed by a majority.
Earlier Uefa Deliberations
Uefa had previously put on hold plans to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the revealing of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the region.
While they never officially confirmed considering an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were understood to be well developed.
Global Backdrop
This Irish move comes after similar calls in September from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for banning Israel from global football.
Those requests were made after UN specialists urged Fifa and Uefa to ban Israel, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict.
The Israeli government has rejected these claims and labeled the report as scandalous.
Potential Ramifications
Should European football's authority decide to ban Israel, it would probably create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.
Although the European body has the power to suspend Israel or its clubs from its tournaments, it may not be able to stop them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.
