Updated 13.21 | Published 13.02
Ireland will play its UEFA Nations League matches against Israel this fall.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) says it has “no choice” but to fulfill the fixtures.
Här är helgens sporthöjdare 27 februari-1 mars
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Pressure to boycott the doubleheader has been mounting from politicians and football figures amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Strong pro-Palestinian sentiment in Ireland led the FAI to previously call for UEFA to suspend Israel, a request that was ultimately denied.
“Despite our Federation and our members having made our position clear in terms of Israel’s involvement in international football, that has not been taken on board by UEFA,” FAI CEO David Courell told RTÉ.
“As such they [Israel] are permitted to compete. And we have been consistent from day one that we will fulfil these fixtures. “We, in reality, do not have a choice for a variety of reasons. “We are in these posts and in these positions to safeguard the future of Irish football. “And in this situation, tough as it is, the decision presented to us only has one viable option – which is to fulfil these games.”
The match in Dublin is scheduled for October 4, with the return fixture taking place on September 27.
