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Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to submit a official proposal to Uefa, demanding the banning of Israel from continental team and national competitions.

Basis of the Recommended Ban

This motion, which was put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited claimed breaches by the Israel Football Association of two key European football regulations.

• Failure to apply and uphold an effective anti-racism policy.
• Establishment of football teams in disputed territories lacking the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.

Ballot Results and Next Steps

According to an announcement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 abstentions.

The association plans 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 Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was posed to members. It was approved by a large margin.

Previous European Considerations

The European body had previously paused intentions to ban Israel at the end of September, following the revealing of a US peace proposal for the area.

While Uefa never publicly stated considering an extraordinary meeting on the issue, plans were understood to be quite advanced.

Global Context

The FAI resolution follows similar demands in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football.

These appeals were issued after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, referencing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused the country of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict.

Israel has denied these claims and labeled the findings as outrageous.

Possible Ramifications

Should Uefa decide to suspend Israel, it would probably strain relations with the United States government – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.

Although Uefa has the authority to exclude Israeli teams from European competitions, it might not be able to prevent them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by world football's governing body.