FAI Confirms Dublin Game Against Israel Will Go Ahead

Israel fixtures go ahead as planned, Says FAI CEO David Courell

Ireland's football chief confirms Nations League games against Israel will proceed as scheduled. FAI dismisses calls to boycott Israel fixtures amid Gaza conflict.

FAI confirms dublin game against Israel will go ahead. Republic of Ireland to host Israel in Dublin on October 4 despite protests...

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland will play its Nations League fixtures against Israel as scheduled, despite pressure to boycott the matches. The decision comes after pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures urged the federation to withdraw from the fixtures over Israel's conduct in Gaza.

FAI chief executive David Courell stated that they have “no choice” but to fulfill the games, citing UEFA regulations that could lead to disciplinary measures, including disqualification from the competition, if they refuse to play. The Irish federation had previously requested UEFA to suspend Israel from international competition, citing breaches of UEFA statutes, but this request was not taken on board.

The home fixture against Israel is set to take place in Dublin on October 4, with the away game scheduled for September 27 in Tel Aviv, although the venue is yet to be confirmed. The FAI has emphasized that the Irish police are confident in their ability to ensure a safe and secure environment for the game.

Pro-Palestinian sentiment is running high in Ireland, with frequent mass protests and politicians from various parties backing Gaza. This widespread support led the Irish Football Association (FAI) to pass a motion last November, urging UEFA to immediately suspend Israel from international competitions due to alleged breaches of UEFA statutes.

The FAI's motion cites Israel's alleged failure to implement effective anti-racism policies and the participation of Israeli clubs in occupied Palestinian territories without consent from the Palestinian Football Association. Despite this, UEFA hasn't taken action, and Ireland's football chief, David Courell, stated they're obligated to fulfill their Nations League fixtures with Israel.

“While our federation and our members have made our position clear in terms of Israel's involvement in international football, that has not been taken on board by UEFA,” FAI chief executive David Courell told public broadcaster RTE on Wednesday.

“In this situation, difficult as it is, the decision presented to us only has one viable option -- which is to fulfil these games,” he said.

Courell added: “We, in reality, do not have a choice for a variety of reasons.”

David Courell, Ireland's football chief, has dismissed calls to move the home game against Israel outside Ireland, citing security concerns. Courell emphasized that the game will go ahead as scheduled in Dublin on October 4th.

“The Irish police have confirmed they can manage the event safely, and we're working closely with them,” Courell said. A venue change would require a formal instruction citing safety and security risks, which isn't the case here.

“The (Irish police) have been very clear that they are confident in their ability to deliver a safe and secure environment to facilitate the game to go ahead here.”

The Israeli Football Association is hoping to host Ireland in Tel Aviv for the September 27th match, but they're still working out the venue details. No final decision has been made yet.