Football Association of Ireland to vote on motion to ban 'Israel' from UEFA

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is set to vote on Saturday on a motion to request the immediate suspension of 'Israel' from European football competitions, according to a meeting agenda reviewed by Reuters. The motion, proposed and backed by several member clubs, cites alleged violations by the Israel Football Association (IFA) of UEFA statutes.

The first alleged violation concerns the organisation of football clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without consent from the Palestinian Football Association. The second concerns the IFA’s failure to enforce an effective anti-racism policy. The motion also urges UEFA to publish clear, transparent criteria for suspending or excluding member associations.

“These are very serious breaches, important rules that are being ignored,” said Daniel Lambert, chief operating officer of Bohemian FC, one of Ireland’s leading clubs that proposed the motion. “I am hopeful the resolution will be passed,” he added, noting lobbying efforts with other clubs.

A FAI spokesperson confirmed the vote will take place.

Earlier this year, UEFA considered a vote on 'Israel’s' suspension amid the war in Gaza, but postponed it after a US-brokered ceasefire on October 10.

Calls for 'Israel’s' suspension have also come from United Nations experts, following a UN Commission of Inquiry report in September which accused 'Israel' of committing genocide during the Gaza war. Similar appeals were made by the heads of the Turkish and Norwegian soccer associations. 'Israel' has denied the allegations and condemned the report as scandalous.

Ireland has been one of the European Union’s most vocal critics of 'Israel’s' military operations in Gaza, officially recognising a Palestinian state in 2024 and seeking to restrict trade with 'Israeli' settlements in occupied territories