DUBLIN: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a motion calling on UEFA to ban Israel from European club and international competitions. The resolution, tabled by Dublin-based club Bohemians, passed with 74 votes in favor, seven against, and two abstentions.
The FAI plans to formally submit the motion to the UEFA executive committee, citing two alleged violations of UEFA statutes. These include the organisation of clubs in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association and the Israel Football Association’s failure to enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
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Israel’s national and club teams currently compete in UEFA tournaments but have played most home matches at neutral venues since the October 2023 attacks. Similar calls for Israel’s suspension by Turkish and Norwegian football authorities have largely eased following the recent Israel-Hamas peace plan in Gaza.
Bohemians expressed pride in advancing the motion and thanked delegates who supported it. The decision has sparked international debate, with American Republican Senator Lindsey Graham condemning the move as unfairly punishing Israel for defending itself against terrorist groups.