Israel issue statement on Ireland Nations League fixture as UEFA stance emerges

The Israel FA has responded to concerns related to the nation’s upcoming 2026/27 Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland with a statement.

Despite widespread calls for both UEFA and FIFA to suspend Israel from club and international competition, the nation has continued to play in sanctioned matches and was included in last week’s UEFA Nations League draw.

The Middle Eastern side, who have been unable to play games in their home country since the outbreak of the Israel–Gaza conflict in October 2023, were drawn against Austria, Kosovo and the Republic of Ireland.

This came after the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) membership voted 74 to seven to mandate the Association to request Israel’s suspension from European club and international competitions back in November 2025.

The motion called for the suspension for “violating two independent provisions of the UEFA Statutes”.

The Republic of Ireland were drawn against Israel in the Nations League (Credit:Getty)

The “violations” mentioned were the “organisation of clubs in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association” and a “failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy”.

However, after being drawn against Israel in the Nations League, the FAI released a new statement in which it explained that the Irish national team would, in fact, fulfil their fixtures against Israel to avoid “disciplinary measures” which UEFA could impose if they refused to compete.

Part of the statement read: “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.”

The Israel national football team in 2025 (Credit:Getty)

The decision was slammed by Drogheda United co-chairperson and Sinn Féin Teachta Dála (TD) for the Louth constituency, Joanna Byrne.

Byrne said that she was “extremely angry” and “dismayed” by the decision.

Israel will host Ireland on September 27 before the corresponding fixture takes place in Dublin on October 4.

Israel have been playing their home fixtures in Hungary since October 2023, but a spokesperson speaking on behalf of the Israel FA has claimed that they hope to host Ireland in their usual surroundings soon.

“We have no concerns about arriving in Dublin,” an Israel FA spokesperson told The Irish Times. “We certainly hope that the end of the war will allow the games to be returned to Israel as soon as possible. We’re hoping to welcome Ireland to a sea of blue and white in a packed stadium.”