Khaberni - The Football Association of Ireland -today, Saturday- agreed on a decision that calls on the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel's participation in European football competitions.
The proposal states that the Israeli Football Association has violated two articles of UEFA's statutes, the first being the organization of clubs within the occupied Palestinian territories without the approval of the Palestinian Union, which constitutes a direct breach of the European Union’s gaming regulations.
The second article pertains to the failure of the Israeli Union in implementing an effective anti-racism policy, which is among the fundamental conditions for membership of unions within the UEFA system.
The proposal also demands setting clear and transparent criteria for suspending or excluding member unions that violate fundamental laws.
Bohemian Club Leads the Move Against Israel
The proposal was initiated by Bohemian FC, one of Ireland's leading clubs, which explicitly called for official action from the Irish Football Association to pressure UEFA.
Daniel Lambert, the Chief Operating Officer at Bohemian Club, said in a statement to Reuters: "These are very serious violations, and important rules are being ignored. We hope that the resolution will be adopted with support from other clubs in the country."
A spokesperson for the Irish Football Association confirmed that the vote will proceed as scheduled, while a spokesperson for UEFA declined to comment on the matter, and no response has been issued from the Israeli Football Association so far.
Political and Humanitarian Background
This step comes amid ongoing controversy over Israel's participation in European tournaments, as reports had indicated UEFA's intention to study the suspension of its membership last October, but the proposal had not been put to a vote since the ceasefire in Gaza came into effect on October 10, 2024, mediated by the United States.
Israel had launched its military aggression on Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the martyrdom of more than 65,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and caused a severe humanitarian crisis and widespread need for food and aid.
The Importance of Voting Against Israel
This vote is the first of its kind within a European national union demanding UEFA to take an official stance towards Israel, which may open the door to a broader discussion within European unions about the extent to which member states comply with the union’s ethical and political standards amidst armed conflicts.
