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The Football Association of Ireland has voted in favor to submit a official proposal to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israeli football from continental club and international tournaments.

Grounds for the Recommended Suspension

This motion, which was proposed by Irish side Bohemians, cited alleged violations by the Israel Football Association of two important Uefa statutes.

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

Vote Outcome and Future Actions

According to an announcement from the Irish FA, the resolution was supported by 74 votes, with 7 against and 2 abstentions.

They plans to formally submit this request to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the prompt ban of the IFA from European tournaments.

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

Earlier European Considerations

The European body had earlier put on hold plans to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the area.

While Uefa never officially confirmed considering an extraordinary meeting on the matter, plans were believed to be quite advanced.

Global Context

This Irish move follows comparable demands in last autumn from the heads of Turkish and Norwegian governing bodies for Israel's suspension from global football.

These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged Fifa and Uefa to suspend Israel, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of acts of genocide during the Gaza conflict.

Israel has denied these allegations and described the findings as scandalous.

Potential Consequences

If Uefa choose to suspend Israel, it would likely create tension with the US administration – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an action.

Even though the European body has the authority to exclude Israeli teams from its tournaments, it may not be able to prevent them from competing in qualification for the World Cup, which is governed by world football's governing body.