Irish Football Body Demands UEFA Suspend Israel
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has taken a decisive stance, with its members overwhelmingly voting to submit a formal resolution urging UEFA to suspend Israel from all European football competitions. The historic ballot took place on Saturday, 8th November 2025.
The motion was carried by a significant margin, with 74 votes in favour and just seven against, while two members abstained. This move places the Irish governing body at the forefront of a growing international campaign within the sport.
The Charges Against the Israel Football Association
In its statement, the FAI levelled serious allegations against the Israel Football Association. The core of the accusation is a twofold failure to adhere to UEFA's statutes. Firstly, the FAI asserts that the Israeli FA has failed to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy.
Secondly, and perhaps more controversially, the resolution accuses the Israeli FA of allowing its clubs to play matches in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. The FAI emphasised that this activity proceeded without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association, a direct breach of football governance protocols.
This Irish resolution echoes similar calls made in September by football authorities in Turkey and Norway. Their actions were, in part, a response to a United Nations investigation which accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza—a claim Israel vehemently denies, labelling the UN report as "distorted and false".
Potential Consequences and International Reaction
The push for a ban is not without its potential for significant political and sporting fallout. UEFA had previously initiated discussions on a potential suspension, but these talks were shelved following a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on 10th October.
Should UEFA now enact a ban, it would likely trigger a major diplomatic confrontation. The United States, Israel's principal global ally and a co-host of the upcoming World Cup with Canada and Mexico, strongly opposes such a move. The administration of President Donald Trump is firmly against the suspension.
The reaction from US political figures has been swift and severe. Senior Republican politician Lindsey Graham criticised the FAI's vote, issuing a stark warning. He stated he would do everything in his power to "make those who participate in this effort to marginalise Israel in sports, and elsewhere, pay a heavy price when it comes to access to the American economy".
It is crucial to note that a UEFA ban would prevent Israel and its clubs from participating in European tournaments but may not directly impact Israel's World Cup qualifying campaign, which falls under the jurisdiction of FIFA.
The backdrop to this sporting dispute is the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which was triggered by the Hamas attack on Israel on 7th October, 2023. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages being taken. Israel's subsequent military offensive has, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, led to the deaths of more than 69,000 Palestinians. The Republic of Ireland has been one of the most vocal critics within the European Union of Israel's military actions.
