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The Football Association of Ireland has given the green light to present a official proposal to European football's governing body, calling for the exclusion of Israeli football from continental team and national competitions.

Grounds for the Recommended Ban

This motion, that had been proposed by Dublin club Bohemians, highlighted claimed violations by the IFA of a couple of key European football regulations.

• Inability to apply and uphold an proper policy against racism.
• Establishment of football teams in disputed territories lacking the approval of the Palestrian FA.

Vote Outcome and Future Actions

According to an official statement from the FAI, the proposal was supported by 74 votes, with 7 opposed and 2 abstentions.

The association intends to officially present this motion to the UEFA's decision-making body, seeking the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from European tournaments.

In an extraordinary general meeting of the Football Association of Ireland, an standard motion was put to members. It was approved by a majority.

Previous European Considerations

Uefa had earlier put on hold plans to exclude Israel at the end of September, following the announcement of a US peace proposal for the region.

Although Uefa never officially confirmed contemplating an special session on the matter, preparations were understood to be quite advanced.

International Backdrop

This Irish move follows similar calls in September from the leaders of Turkish and Norwegian football associations for Israel's suspension from international competition.

These appeals were made after United Nations experts urged world and European football bodies to suspend Israel, referencing a UN commission of inquiry report that claimed the country of committing genocide during the Gaza conflict.

Israel has rejected these allegations and described the report as scandalous.

Possible Ramifications

If European football's authority choose to ban Israel, it would probably strain relations with the United States government – joint hosts for the upcoming World Cup – which strongly opposes such an action.

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