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FAI and UEFA dispute over Israel football matches

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2026-09-23 08:22 UTC → 2026-09-27 13:52 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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