FAI Upholds UEFA Obligations as Dublin’s Anti-Israel Rhetoric Collides With Sporting Reality.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will honor its 2026 fixtures against the Israel national football team in the UEFA Nations League, despite previous calls to expel Israel from European competition.
Following the official draw, Ireland and Israel were placed in Group B3 alongside Austria and Kosovo, with matches scheduled between September and November. The FAI stated that refusal to play would result in automatic forfeiture and potential disciplinary sanctions, including disqualification from the tournament.
The confirmation comes months after Ireland formally urged UEFA to remove Israel from its competitions, alleging breaches of anti-racism statutes and territorial regulations. That motion had received strong backing within Irish football circles. However, after consultations with UEFA, the FAI acknowledged that competition rules leave no room for boycott.
Political tensions between Jerusalem and Dublin have intensified in recent years. Ireland has been among the most outspoken European critics of Israel’s military actions, including operations against Hamas and Hezbollah.
In 2024, Ireland joined Spain, Norway, and Slovenia in recognizing a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to close its embassy in Dublin. More recently, Irish President Catherine Connolly drew controversy for labeling Israel a “terrorist state,” further straining diplomatic relations.
Despite the political friction, UEFA regulations prevail on the pitch. Ireland’s confirmation underscores that, in European football, rules and competition structures override political disputes.
