DUBLIN — On Saturday, Ireland’s soccer federation voted to present a motion to UEFA proposing the exclusion of Israel from competitions organized by the European governing body.
Proposed by the Irish club Bohemians, the motion required the backing of at least 50% of the federation’s delegates, and it successfully garnered strong support, as noted in a statement from the Football Association of Ireland.
The proposal refers to two supposed breaches of UEFA statutes by the Israel Football Association. Firstly, it accuses the association of “operating clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian FA.” Secondly, it points to “the alleged failure of the IFA to implement a robust anti-racism policy.”
– FIFA Council opts not to take action against Israel, calls for peace
The UEFA executive committee is scheduled to convene on December 3 in Nyon.
Meanwhile, Israel’s World Cup qualifying campaign will conclude with a match against Moldova on November 16. Currently sitting third in their group, the team cannot secure a top position for automatic qualification to next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, nor can they finish second to reach the playoffs.
A plan by UEFA to vote on Israel’s potential suspension from European competitions due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza was postponed last month following a peace initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In its statement, the FAI also expressed its intention to urge UEFA to establish clear criteria for the suspension or exclusion of member associations, ensuring fair treatment of all members.