Irish football community backs motion to suspend Israel Football Association from UEFA

Support is growing across the Irish football community for a push to suspend the Israel Football Association (IFA) from UEFA competitions.

Over 40% of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) General Assembly delegates are already backing a motion to call an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

The campaign is backed by clubs including Bohemian FC, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Cork City, as well as the players’ union (PFAI), fan groups, student leagues, among others.

The motion alleges that the IFA has breached UEFA statutes by fielding clubs based in illegal settlements and failing to enforce anti-racism regulations.

The motion will require support from 50% of FAI delegates in order to pass.

If passed at the EGM, expected later this month, it would instruct the FAI board to request suspension from UEFA and push for greater transparency in how such actions are applied.

This initiative follows a letter sent on September 18 by Bohemian FC, FairSquare, and Irish Sport for Palestine calling for Israel’s suspension.

“This is a real opportunity for the FAI to lead the international push to have Israel removed from UEFA,” said the statement. “By taking such decisive action, the Association would not only reflect the will of the Irish public, but it would also pave the way for other Federations to stand up and act.”

Israel's national team is currently participating in European qualifiers for next summer's men's Fifa World Cup, while Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv is playing in the Europa League.

Earlier this month, the Spanish government said they would "assess" Spain's participation in the next world cup, should Israel qualify.