A Country Seeks to Influence UEFA in Excluding Israel from European Competitions

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is set to vote on a proposal this Saturday to request the immediate suspension of Israel from European competitions by UEFA. According to Reuters, the resolution, backed by several clubs including Bohemian FC, accuses the Israeli Football Association (IFA) of violating two articles of UEFA’s statutes. The first concerns the organization of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without the Palestinian Football Association’s consent. The second addresses the lack of an effective racism prevention policy. The motion also calls for UEFA to establish transparent criteria for the suspension or exclusion of member associations.

Daniel Lambert, the Deputy General Secretary of Bohemian FC, expressed hope that the resolution will pass, stating that “important rules are being ignored.” The FAI has confirmed the vote, while UEFA has declined to comment, and the IFA has not responded to media inquiries. This initiative comes after UEFA considered a potential suspension of Israel in October due to the conflict in Gaza, but abandoned the move following a ceasefire negotiated by the United States on October 10.