Ireland to fulfil fixtures against Israel after taking legal advice
By Damian Spellman, Press Association
The Republic of Ireland will fulfil their Nations League fixtures against Israel after taking legal advice, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed.
Heimir Hallgrimsson’s men and the Israelis have been drawn, along with Austria and Kosovo, in Group B3, sparking calls for the national team to withdraw from the fixtures with the FAI having approved a motion – which was rejected – in November last year calling for Israel to be banned from UEFA competitions because of the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The association said earlier this month that the two games would go ahead and has since confirmed in a letter to members that legal experts have backed that stance.
The letter reads: “After taking legal advice, engaging with key stakeholders and reflecting on our constitutional obligations, we have decided that the Football Association of Ireland will fulfil both fixtures and will host the home match at the Aviva Stadium as scheduled.
“We understand that this decision will be difficult for many members and supporters. It has not been taken lightly.
“As a member association of UEFA, we are bound by its regulations. Our Constitution requires us to adhere to UEFA’s rules, including the obligation to fulfil scheduled international fixtures and to avoid actions that would constitute undue political interference.
“From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences. It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League and would damage our seeding for EURO 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking.
“Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.”
Former Ireland boss Brian Kerr and current Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley are among those who have called for a boycott of the two games, but Hallgrimsson’s men seem set to face Israel away – they have played recent home games in Hungary and Moldova because of the political situation – on September 27th before hosting them in Dublin on October 4th.
The letter continues: “The Board also wishes to reiterate that no-one within the association is dismissive of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The suffering of civilians is deeply distressing, and the concerns expressed by members are grounded in genuine compassion and principle.
“While our role is to safeguard Irish football, we do not ignore the broader context in which these fixtures arise.
“In that regard, we intend to use the home fixture as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the conflict.”
