The Republic of Ireland have released a statement confirming they will honour their Nations League matches against Israel, despite advocating for their suspension from UEFA competitions. Ireland have been at the forefront of calls for Israel’s expulsion from European club and international tournaments and now find themselves drawn against the nation.
However, in a statement released immediately after the Nations League draw, Ireland confirmed that they would not boycott the matches against Israel.
The statement read: « The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that the Ireland Men’s National Team will fulfil their 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after being drawn together in Group B3.
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« In 2025, a motion was proposed by members of the FAI General Assembly to vote on issuing a formal request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes. Members then voted in favour to submit the motion to UEFA, which the Association did in November 2025.
« While consultation has taken place with UEFA officials, the Association does recognise that UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match, then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition. »
Back in October, Ireland manager Hallgrimsson commented on the matter: « I don’t see a difference between FIFA and UEFA banning Russia and not Israel. I don’t see the difference. I am not speaking on behalf of the FAI – I just don’t see the difference.
« It is an absolute tragedy what is happening there. If FIFA and UEFA are banning one nation for the same thing, I don’t see the difference. »
He clarified, however, that his team would honour a fixture against Israel.
Hallgrimsson said: « Would I have struggled if they wanted Ireland to play Israel, if they were in our group? Of course we would play. I wouldn’t have a problem with that. »
The comparison with Russia is relevant as UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has confirmed that Russia will not be readmitted into competitions in the near future. Russia was ousted in 2022 and Ceferin stated this would continue to be the case following the UEFA Congress in Brussels.
« UEFA’s position is clear and has not changed but we are looking into everything every day, » he declared. Ceferin’s viewpoint contrasts with his FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino, who suggested that the sport « definitely » needs to consider welcoming Russia back, while the International Olympic Committee also advised sports federations to permit Russian teams to participate at youth level.
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