# FAI and UEFA dispute over Israel football matches > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fai-and-uefa-dispute-over-israel-football-matches > Updated: 2026-09-27T07:59:32.000Z. Sources: 53. Developments: 3. The dispute between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Israel Football Association (IFA) has intensified following controversial remarks by Ireland’s head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson. During a squad announcement, Hallgrimsson stated, ‘We are not playing with genocide, we are playing against genocide,’ while noting the team is playing against Israel rather than alongside them. The IFA responded with a sharp rebuke, accusing the manager of embodying ‘ignorance, hypocrisy, and stupidity.’ As the UEFA Nations League fixtures approach, tensions continue to rise in Ireland. More than 160 athletes, including Olympians, have signed an open letter via the ‘Sport for Palestine’ group urging a boycott. Protests have also been staged at the Irish team’s hotel. In response to the heightened friction, Israeli media reports indicate that players have been instructed to refuse the traditional post-match jersey exchange with Irish opponents. Additionally, Irish fans will be barred from purchasing tickets for the matches. The fixtures remain scheduled for September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary, and October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The latter is expected to be held behind closed doors, and Irish broadcaster RTE will provide a limited broadcast without commentary or advertising. Ahead of the September 27 match in Hungary, Hallgrimsson apologized for his previous remarks, admitting he ‘certainly used a heavy word’ and acknowledging that using the term was a mistake. Despite the apology, the fixture remains marked by political scrutiny. Reports indicate some Irish players were reluctant to participate, and goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was notably absent from the squad, reportedly choosing not to participate in the match. ## Claims - Ireland's manager stated the team is playing against genocide rather than with it. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The Israel FA accused Hallgrímsson of embodying stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The matches will be held at neutral venues: Debrecen, Hungary, and Bačka Topola, Serbia. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The Israel FA is considering filing a formal complaint with UEFA regarding Hallgrímsson's comments. (corroborated by 10 sources) - More than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the matches against Israel. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The FAI voted to proceed with the matches to avoid UEFA sanctions and significant financial loss. (corroborated by 4 sources) - UEFA rejected the FAI's request to avoid playing Israel, citing that such measures apply to countries in direct conflict. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Irish broadcaster RTE will provide a limited broadcast of the matches without commentary or advertising. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Ireland coach apologizes for ‘genocide’ comments before Israel match Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson apologized for using the word ‘genocide’ ahead of a tense Nations League match against Israel, amid reports of player reluctance and political tension. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ireland-coach-apologizes-for-genocide-comments-before-israel-match ### 2026-09-21: Ireland manager and Israel FA clash over genocide comments Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson and the Israel FA are in a heated dispute following his comments about “playing against genocide” ahead of their Nations League matches in neutral venues. 43 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ireland-coach-halgrimson-criticizes-uefa-over-israel-stance ### 2026-09-18: UEFA rejects FAI request to block matches against Israel UEFA has rejected a request from the Football Association of Ireland to block future matches against Israel, citing a lack of direct conflict between the two nations. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uefa-rejects-fai-request-to-block-matches-against-israel --- Cite as: FAI and UEFA dispute over Israel football matches. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fai-and-uefa-dispute-over-israel-football-matches