FAI to Vote on Motion Calling for Israel’s Suspension from UEFA

Dublin: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is preparing to vote on whether to formally ask the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel from all European football competitions.

According to a Reuters report, Irish club Bohemian FC has submitted a proposal urging the FAI to request that UEFA ban Israel, citing violations of key UEFA rules.

Bohemian FC’s Allegations

Bohemian FC says that Israel’s Football Association (IFA) broke two major UEFA regulations:

• Organizing football matches in occupied Palestinian territories without authorization.
• Failing to enforce strict anti-racism policies within its football system.

“These are serious breaches of UEFA’s rules,” said Daniel Lambert, Chief Operating Officer of Bohemian FC. He expressed hope that the proposal will gain support from other clubs across Ireland.

An FAI spokesperson confirmed that the vote on the motion will take place soon.

Background: UEFA Pressure and Human Rights Concerns

Earlier in October, UEFA had considered voting on whether to suspend Israel following the ongoing genocide in Gaza. However, that vote did not take place after a temporary US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) had already called on FIFA and UEFA to ban Israel from all international tournaments, citing grave human rights violations.

The UN said that Israel’s actions since October 7, 2023, have resulted in the deaths of more than 68,500 Palestinians and injuries to over 170,000, mostly women and children.

“Sports cannot continue as business as usual while genocide occurs,” the OHCHR stated, adding that football bodies must not ignore such violations.

International Support for Suspension

Following the UN’s statement, both the Turkish Football Federation (TFF) and the Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) called for Israel’s suspension from international football.

If the FAI approves the motion, UEFA would face growing pressure to take a similar decision, which could lead to Israel’s exclusion from European tournaments.

Ireland’s Position on Palestine

Ireland’s government has been one of the strongest critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza within the European Union.
The country officially recognized the State of Palestine last year and is currently working on legislation to ban trade with Israeli settlements in occupied territories.

This vote by the FAI could further strengthen Ireland’s pro-Palestine stance on the international stage.