FAI to vote on suspending Israel from Uefa competitions

The proposal stems from Bohemians getting the required 10% of signatories to seek an EGM, with the single-item agenda of “empowering the FAI to compel Uefa to suspend the Israeli Football Association for a clear breach of Uefa statutes.” 

Currently, Ireland have a 25% chance of drawing Israel in next year's men's Uefa Nations League B. Pic: Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The FAI will ballot their General Assembly members at next month’s AGM on a motion proposing that Uefa suspend Israel.

Chief executive David Courell recently suggested that both Uefa and Fifa should “adopt a strong position” about the ongoing actions of Israel in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories but the FAI’s membership have taken the initiative.

The proposal stems from Bohemians assembling the required 10% of signatories among the 145-person GA to seek an EGM, with the single-item agenda of “empowering the FAI to compel Uefa to suspend the Israeli Football Association for a clear breach of Uefa statutes.” 

In a statement, Irish Sport For Palestine said that "In under 48 hours, well in excess of 40% of FAI General Assembly delegates have already declared written support for an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) to debate and vote on the issue, with further indications of support arriving all the time.

"The motion is now backed by a broad coalition across Irish football, including Bohemian FC, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Cork City, DLR Waves, Peamount United, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI), the Irish Football Supporters Partnership (IFSP), the Dublin & District Schoolboys/Girls League (DDSL), and the Irish Universities Football Union (IUFU)."

Last month, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory found the Israeli government had committed “genocide” in its response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on the country.

In the face of widespread pressure, it has been suggested that Uefa will ban Israeli national and club teams from their competitions.

As it stands, Ireland have a 25% chance of drawing Israel in next year's men's Uefa Nations League B.

The situation within Fifa is complicated, with their president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with Donald Trump, in the build-up to the World Cup next year they’re co-hosting, causing hesitation to act.

“The board acknowledges members’ ambition to have the issue of Israel’s participation in international football put to a vote and fully welcomes this,” said the FAI on Wednesday, in an email to members.

“The intention of the board is to include this item on the (November 8) AGM agenda, subject to any developments in the intervening period.” 

Though Irish Sport For Palestine said that a "requisition for an EGM will be lodged with the FAI today (Wednesday), with the expectation that the meeting will take place later this month".

Meanwhile, Saturday’s scheduled emergency general meeting has been cancelled after the FAI fell foul of a Sport Ireland backlash.

It emerged under questioning during last week’s Joint Oireachtas Committee meeting that the government agency was not aware of proposed changes to the FAI constitution.

This resolution was intended to extend the limits of board members, from two-year terms to three-year terms.

“Sport Ireland has requested a meeting with the FAI about this,” they told the Sunday Independent.

“As set out in the Memorandum of Understanding, there can be no material deviation to the governance standards — eg, such as board term limits — without prior consultation with, and approval by, Sport Ireland.” 

The expected cancellation, with four days' notice, arrived on Wednesday.

“Following discussions with Sport Ireland, the draft Special Resolution on constitutional amendments will not be presented and has been removed from the agenda,” the FAI told members.

“In light of the limited agenda, the EGM will be rescheduled to a later date in October, likely to be held online to maximise attendance. Confirmation of the new date and time will follow shortly.

“We recognise this change comes at short notice but appreciate your understanding as we ensure proper notice is given for the amended agenda.”