FAI Passes Motion Seeking Uefa Ban on Israeli Teams
Ireland's football governing body has voted in favor to present a official proposal to Uefa, calling for the banning of Israeli football from continental team and national tournaments.
Basis of the Recommended Ban
The resolution, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted claimed breaches by the IFA of a couple of key European football regulations.
- Failure to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
- Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the consent of the Palestrian FA.
Ballot Results and Next Steps
According to an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two abstentions.
They plans to officially present 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 FAI, an ordinary resolution was posed to members. It passed by a majority.
Earlier Uefa Considerations
The European body had previously put on hold plans to exclude 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 matter, preparations were understood to be well developed.
Global Context
The FAI resolution follows similar calls in September from the leaders of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for banning Israel from international competition.
Those requests were issued after United Nations experts asked Fifa and Uefa to ban the Israeli FA, referencing a UN investigation that claimed the country of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.
Israel has rejected these claims and described the findings as scandalous.
Possible Ramifications
Should Uefa decide to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the United States government – co-hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an measure.
Although the European body has the power to exclude Israel or its clubs from European competitions, it may not be able to stop them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by Fifa.
