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The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to present a official proposal to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israel from continental club and international tournaments.

Basis of the Recommended Suspension

This motion, that had been put forward by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the IFA of two important Uefa statutes.

• Inability to apply and uphold an proper anti-racism policy.
• Establishment of football teams in disputed territories without the consent of the Palestrian FA.

Ballot Results and Future Actions

As stated in an official statement from the Irish FA, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and 2 not voting.

The association plans to formally submit this request to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the immediate suspension of the IFA from European tournaments.

During a special assembly of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It passed by a majority.

Earlier European Considerations

The European body had previously paused plans to exclude Israeli football at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area.

While Uefa never publicly stated contemplating an special session on the matter, preparations were understood to be quite advanced.

International Context

The FAI move follows comparable calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for banning Israel from global football.

Those requests were made after United Nations experts asked world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN investigation that accused Israel of committing genocide during the war in Gaza.

Israel has rejected these allegations and described the report as outrageous.

Possible Ramifications

If European football's authority choose to suspend Israel, it would probably strain relations with the United States government – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an measure.

Although Uefa has the authority to suspend Israel or its clubs 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.