Israel say football and politics must stay separate, after Ireland vote to fulfil fixture

26 Sep 2026, 17:00 · CNA · Join

Soccer Football - Nations League - Group G - Kosovo v Republic of Ireland - Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri, Pristina, Kosovo - September 24, 2026 Republic of Ireland players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Valdrin Xhemaj

Soccer Football - Nations League - Group G - Austria v Israel - Raiffeisen Arena, Linz, Austria - September 24, 2026 Israel players pose for a team group photo before the match REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl

Read a summary of this article on FAST.
Get bite-sized news via a new
cards interface. Give it a try.
Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST
FAST

DEBRECEN, Hungary, Sept 26 : The Israel Football Association has said football and politics need to remain separate in the wake of Ireland players voting on Saturday to fulfil Sunday's Nations League fixture between the sides in Hungary.

The Ireland players delayed their pre-match press conference and training session after one member of the squad announced his intention to withdraw, due to his discomfort at playing against Israel.

Ireland are one of Europe's most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza, and there have been numerous protests calling on the team not to fulfil the fixtures with Israel.

"What pleases us today, is that football has won," the Israel FA said in a statement at the start of its press conference.

CNA Games

Guess Word
Crack the word, one row at a time

Buzzword
Create words using the given letters

Mini Sudoku
Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser

Mini Crossword
Small grid, big challenge

Word Search
Spot as many words as you can
Show More
Show Less

"The separation between football and politics must be maintained, any other approach spells chaos and a dangerous slide on a slippery slope, leading to disastrous consequences for the game we all love.

"The Football Association of Ireland and the national team players did the right thing by recognising this, even if it took a bit longer than it should. Yet, it's better late than never."

The FAI, who voted in November for its board to request that UEFA suspend Israel from European competitions, passed a motion in favour of proceeding with the fixtures in July.

FAI CEO David Courell said the players would not take part in any further media obligations and would not shake hands with the Israel players before the game, in contrast to the Israeli statement.

"Flags will be raised, anthems will be played, and the players and coaches of both teams will have the opportunity to shake hands and respect each other," the Israeli statement said.

Israel are playing their home fixtures in Debrecen, and Ireland moved their home game with Israel, set for October 4, to Serbia in a match where no fans will be present.

Israel say football and politics must stay separate, after Ireland vote to fulfil fixture

Recommended Read

Sign up for our newsletters

Get the CNA app