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The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to present a formal motion to Uefa, calling for the exclusion of Israel from all European club and international tournaments.

Grounds for the Recommended Ban

This motion, which was proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the IFA of a couple of key Uefa statutes.

• Inability to apply and uphold an effective policy against racism.
• Establishment of clubs in disputed territories without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.

Vote Outcome and Next Steps

As stated in an official statement from the FAI, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with seven against and 2 abstentions.

The association plans to formally submit this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the prompt ban of the Israel Football Association from Uefa competitions.

In an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI, an ordinary resolution was put to members. It passed by a majority.

Earlier European Deliberations

The European body had earlier paused intentions to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.

While they never officially confirmed considering an special session on the issue, plans were understood to be well developed.

International Backdrop

The FAI resolution follows similar demands in last autumn from the heads of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for banning Israel from international competition.

These appeals were issued after United Nations experts asked world and European football bodies to suspend the Israeli FA, citing a UN investigation that claimed the country of acts of genocide during the war in Gaza.

Israel has rejected these allegations and described the findings as scandalous.

Possible Ramifications

Should Uefa decide to suspend Israel, it would probably create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which strongly opposes such an measure.

Even though the European body has the authority to exclude Israeli teams from European competitions, it may not be able to stop them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by world football's governing body.