Uefa rejected request to keep Republic of Ireland and Israel separate – FAI

Uefa rejected request to keep Republic of Ireland and Israel separate – FAI. The Football Association of Ireland says it had a request to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel separate in future competition draws rejected by Uefa.

What happened

Image source, InphoImage caption, David Courell was appointed FAI chief executive in 2024Published18 September 2026Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell says it had a request to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel separate in future competition draws rejected by Uefa. After being grouped together in February's draw, the Republic of Ireland and Israel are set to meet in Nations League fixtures on 27 September and 4 October. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Courell said European football's governing body Uefa rejected the association's request about future draws, which was made after the teams were drawn together in February.

Hallgrimsson spoke to players individually about Israel gamesPublished1 day agoIsrael fixtures an 'uncomfortable situation' for FAI Published3 days agoBoycott of Israel games would cause 'significant and lasting harm' – FAIPublished2 July'We wish we weren't in this position'The 'Stop the Game' campaign has received support from former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex-player James McClean, and May's friendly against Qatar in Dublin was disrupted when tennis balls were thrown on to the pitch. That would not be possible, because Ireland and Israel have never been in direct conflict.

Speaking to RTE, Courell said he "appreciated" the "strength of sentiment" among the Irish public regarding the games and pointing out that the FAI previously called on Uefa to ban Israel from European competition. Related topicsFootballRepublic of Ireland Men's Football Team

The wider picture

In June, the FAI confirmed its home game on 4 October would be played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, as opposed to Dublin's Aviva Stadium, while no tickets will be made available for Irish fans for Israel's 'home' fixture in Debrecen, Hungary. They [Uefa] have a formal term for it, I can't remember the formal term, the 'do not draw' list or whatever. We have publicly called for, and formally called for, Israel's removal from international football," he said.

"We were the only federation in Uefa, so one out of 55 that has done so formally. "He added: "We have spoken to Uefa extensively over the last year, yes. "The armed Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive military offensive in Gaza. Israel has regularly denied committing genocide or war crimes and has said its actions in Gaza have been justified as a means of self-defence.

What has been reported

At an extraordinary general meeting in July, delegates backed an FAI motion to proceed with the games amid concerns that boycotting would cause "significant and lasting harm" for the association. However, the decision to fulfil the fixtures has come under increasing pressure amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with a 'Stop The Game' campaign launched by Irish Sport for Palestine calling for a boycott. It's based, really, on conflicts, direct conflicts, not public sentiment," said, external Courell.

But at an institutional level, that hasn't happened yet. "As such, the decision rested with the FAI and we wanted particularly now to offer our spport and protection to the players because it's a decision that rested with the FAI board. They recognise the strength of conviction from the FAI on this topic and how that reflects the solidarity the Irish people have of the Palestinian plight. "But equally they have to consider the sentiment of 54 other nations.

And unfortunately, at this moment in time, it's not universal.

What happens next

The United Nations believes the retaliation has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians.