FAI Approves Resolution Urging European Football Ban on Israel
Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a official proposal to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israel from all European team and national competitions.
Basis of the Proposed Suspension
The resolution, which was put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted claimed violations by the Israel Football Association of two important European football regulations.
- Failure to apply and uphold an effective anti-racism policy.
- Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.
Ballot Results and Next Steps
As stated in an announcement from the FAI, the resolution was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two not voting.
The association plans to formally submit this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the prompt ban of the IFA from European tournaments.
During a special assembly of the Football Association of Ireland, an standard motion was posed to members. It was approved by a large margin.
Previous Uefa Considerations
Uefa had earlier put on hold intentions to ban Israeli football at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area.
While Uefa never officially confirmed contemplating an special session on the issue, preparations were understood to be quite advanced.
International Backdrop
The FAI move follows comparable calls in last autumn from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football.
Those requests were made after UN specialists asked Fifa and Uefa to ban the Israeli FA, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that claimed Israel of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.
The Israeli government has denied these claims and described the findings as outrageous.
Possible Ramifications
Should European football's authority choose to ban Israel, it would likely strain relations with the United States government – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.
Although Uefa has the power to suspend Israeli teams from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.