Sat Nov 08 15:48:01 UTC 2025: FAI Calls for Israel’s Suspension from UEFA over Actions in Palestinian Territories
Dublin, Ireland – The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally requested UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from all European competitions, citing violations of UEFA statutes. The resolution, overwhelmingly approved by FAI members on Saturday with 74 votes in favor, seven against, and two abstentions, accuses the Israel Football Association (IFA) of failing to enforce an effective anti-racism policy and allowing Israeli clubs to play in occupied Palestinian territory without the Palestinian Football Association’s consent.
The FAI’s move follows similar calls from Turkish and Norwegian football governing bodies in September and pressure from legal experts and UN experts who cited a UN Commission of Inquiry report alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza. They have also highlighted the damage inflicted on Palestinian football infrastructure, with reports indicating that at least 421 Palestinian footballers have been killed and infrastructure systematically destroyed since October 2023.
While UEFA considered suspending Israel in October but ultimately did not vote due to a US-brokered ceasefire, FIFA President Gianni Infantino dismissed calls as “geopolitical issues,” and emphasized football’s role in uniting people, despite the pressure.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has also lodged complaints with FIFA, accusing the IFA of violating statutes through its actions in Gaza and the inclusion of clubs from illegal settlements. While the PFA has called for an international ban on Israel, FIFA has delegated the matter to its disciplinary committee for review, a move critics see as delaying tactics.
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