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Ireland's football governing body has given the green light to present a formal motion to European football's governing body, demanding the exclusion of Israeli football from continental team and national tournaments.

Basis of the Recommended Suspension

This motion, that had been put forward by Irish side Bohemians, highlighted claimed breaches by the IFA of two important European football regulations.

• Failure to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
• Establishment of clubs in occupied Palestinian territories lacking the consent of the Palestrian FA.

Ballot Results and Future Actions

According to an announcement from the FAI, the proposal was backed by 74 votes, with seven against and two not voting.

The association intends to formally submit this request to the UEFA's decision-making body, asking for the immediate suspension of the IFA from Uefa competitions.

In an extraordinary general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland, an ordinary resolution was put to delegates. It passed by a majority.

Earlier European Deliberations

Uefa had earlier paused intentions to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the revealing of Donald Trump's proposed peace plan for the region.

While they never officially confirmed contemplating an extraordinary meeting on the issue, preparations were understood to be well developed.

Global Backdrop

The FAI move comes after similar demands in last autumn from the heads of both Turkey and Norway's football associations for Israel's suspension from global football.

Those requests were made after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to ban the Israeli FA, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.

Israel has denied these claims and labeled the report as outrageous.

Potential Consequences

Should Uefa decide to ban the IFA, it would likely create tension with the United States government – co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup – which is firmly against such an measure.

Although the European body has the power to exclude Israel or its clubs from European competitions, it may not be able to stop them from taking part in qualification for the World Cup, which falls under world football's governing body.