Web desk: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced that its governing body has approved a resolution to immediately suspend Israel from European football competitions.
According to reports, the resolution was passed with 74 votes in favour and 7 against it.
The FAI urged UEFA to enforce the suspension, citing Israel’s serious violations of two FIFA articles, including breaches of FIFA’s policy on racial discrimination.
The association stated that Israeli clubs have played football in the occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestine Football Association, which constitutes a violation of international football regulations.
The Irish resolution follows similar calls in September by Turkish and Norwegian football authorities to suspend Israel from international competitions.
Previously, UN experts had also urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel from international football due to these violations.
FAI Members Approve Resolution
Members of Ireland’s football governing body have approved a resolution instructing its board to submit a formal motion to UEFA requesting the immediate suspension of Israel from European competitions, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said.
The resolution, passed on Saturday, was supported by 74 votes, with seven opposed and two abstentions, according to the FAI.
Israels Violations
The resolution cites violations by Israel’s Football Association of two UEFA statutes:
- Failure to implement and enforce an effective antiracism policy.
- Allowing Israeli clubs to play in the occupied Palestinian territory without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.
Ban Israel from Football Competitions
UEFA had considered a vote earlier last month on suspending Israel over its actions in Gaza, but the vote was postponed following a US-brokered ceasefire on October 10.
The Irish resolution follows similar calls in September from the heads of the Turkish and Norwegian football associations.
These requests came after United Nations experts urged FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel. Citing a UN Commission of Inquiry report that accused Israel of committing genocide during the Gaza war.
