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The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to submit a formal motion to Uefa, calling for the banning of Israel from continental club and international tournaments.

Grounds for the Proposed Ban

This motion, that had been put forward by Irish side Bohemians, highlighted alleged violations by the Israel Football Association of two important European football regulations.

• Failure to implement and enforce an proper policy against racism.
• Establishment of football teams in occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestinian Football Association.

Ballot Results and Next Steps

According to an official statement from the Irish FA, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven opposed and 2 abstentions.

The association plans to formally submit this request to the Uefa executive committee, seeking the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.

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

Previous European Considerations

Uefa had earlier paused plans to ban Israel at the close of last month, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.

Although Uefa never officially confirmed contemplating an special session on the matter, preparations were understood to be well developed.

International Context

This Irish resolution follows similar demands in last autumn from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from international competition.

These appeals were made after UN specialists asked world and European football bodies to suspend Israel, referencing a UN investigation that claimed the country of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.

The Israeli government has rejected these claims and labeled the report as scandalous.

Possible Consequences

Should Uefa decide to ban Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.

Even though the European body has the power to suspend Israeli teams from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under world football's governing body.