US EditionIreland commits to Israel fixtures despite calling for their expulsion
The Football Association of Ireland will play Israel in UEFA Nations League matches despite last year's motion to ban Israel over alleged statute breaches and political concerns.
- Following the Nations League draw in Brussels, the FAI confirmed the Republic of Ireland will fulfil its fixtures against Israel after being drawn in Group B3, on Feb 12, 2026.
- Last year the FAI General Assembly voted 74-7 to ask UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association for alleged breaches including anti-racism failures and clubs in occupied territories, formally submitting the motion in November.
- Fixture details indicate Ireland and Israel will play away on September 27 and in Dublin on October 4, with the October venue confirmation needed by 120 days; both matches fall in Group B3 this year.
- Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the decision, saying `There is no official boycott of Israel. I must make that point from an Irish perspective`, while Sinn Féin and Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney urged considering players' views.
- Under UEFA rules, refusal to play risks forfeiture and disqualification; UEFA recently required Israeli clubs and the national side to play home matches at neutral venues, while You Boys in Green call for boycotts amid expected protests.
30 Articles
30 Articles
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