The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has provided members of its General Assembly with detailed information regarding a motion that will be voted on in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday, July 8th.
Members are being asked to vote on the following motion:
“While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men’s Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development, and accordingly endorses the Association fulfilling its obligations in respect of those fixtures.”
The Association respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to the fixtures against Israel, while it will engage with its members at the EGM on Wednesday, July 8th.
The Association has asked its members to consider that:
- A unilateral refusal for the Ireland Men’s National Team to fulfil its UEFA Nations League fixtures would result in UEFA disciplinary processes (automatic forfeiture of six points, loss of income and even extending to potential disqualification from the competition)
- The impact of the non-fulfilment of the fixtures would stretch beyond two matches (potential relegation to League C in the UEFA Nations League and affect future qualification to UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups)
- Irish football would incur a significant financial impact (with the minimum impact estimated at €5.5 million) which would lead to reduced investment across Grassroots participation, facilities, player development and support services to every level of the game
- A precedent being set for the future, whereby all Ireland teams (men & women, senior & underage, plus affiliates) would feel the impacts should they also be drawn against Israel
- The FAI Board is bound by the FAI Constitution to adhere to UEFA / FIFA regulations and any non-fulfilment of fixtures would raise constitutional, governance and fiduciary conflicts
- The Association will continue to represent is members’ views, as it has done by bringing forward a motion from its members to the UEFA Executive Committee calling for the suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions
The Association is committed to representing members' views through appropriate UEFA channels, engaging directly with UEFA regarding Israel's participation and exploring appropriate support for civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
