UEFA has been requested to ban a European national team from competition.

It is reported that a nation voted to propose a measure demanding UEFA to exclude Israeli teams from European competitions.

In recent months, the participation of Israeli clubs in UEFA tournaments has sparked significant controversy.

Since October 2023, Israel has been involved in an armed conflict in Gaza. In response, there have been numerous calls to remove Israeli clubs from European football competitions. Previously, Russian teams were also banned from UEFA events following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to The Irish Times, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) voted in favor of a proposal to suspend Israel from all UEFA competitions. At an emergency meeting, the motion passed with 74 votes for, 7 against, and 2 abstentions, aiming to exclude Israeli clubs from European tournaments and prevent the national team from qualifying for major UEFA events.

The FAI issued a statement declaring: “The FAI Board has been instructed to immediately submit a formal proposal to the UEFA Executive Committee, requesting the suspension of the Israel Football Association (IFA) from UEFA competitions due to breaches of two separate UEFA statutes.” The two violations cited by the FAI include: “The organization of clubs in illegal settlements in the West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association, violating Article 73 of the FIFA Statutes and Article 5 of the UEFA Statutes.” and “The IFA has failed to implement an effective anti-racism policy.”

The FAI also urged UEFA to establish transparent criteria for suspending or excluding member associations to ensure fair treatment for all members.

Notably, Ireland is not the only country expressing a desire to boycott Israel.

In August, the Italian Football Coaches Association (AIAC Nazionale) issued an open letter calling on the Italian Football Federation to propose to FIFA and UEFA the suspension of Israel due to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. Meanwhile, the Spanish national team also expressed a wish to exclude Israel by refusing to participate in the 2026 World Cup.

However, FIFA representatives stated that a ban on Israeli football will not be on the agenda, meaning no official vote will take place.

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