Israel FA urges football-politics divide ahead of Ireland clash

The Israel Football Association has called for football to be kept separate from politics ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland, after a debate within the Irish squad over whether to play the fixture.

Ireland’s players voted Saturday to go ahead with the match despite concerns among some members of the squad over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

The decision came after the team delayed its pre-match press conference and training session.

In a statement at its pre-match press conference, the Israeli FA said it was pleased that “football won” and argued that the separation between football and politics should be maintained.

It also said the Football Association of Ireland and its players had ultimately made the right decision by proceeding with the fixture.

The match is scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, a neutral venue. UEFA lists Israel and Ireland in Nations League Group B3, with the teams also due to meet again in Serbia on October 4.

The fixture has drawn controversy in Ireland, where protests and calls for a boycott have intensified. The FAI had previously asked UEFA to exclude Israel from future competition draws and had also sought action over Israel’s participation, but UEFA rejected the request to keep the teams apart.

The FAI later backed a motion to fulfil the Nations League fixtures. The September match was moved to Hungary, while Ireland’s October home fixture will be played in Serbia behind closed doors.

The Israeli FA said it expects the usual pre-match protocol, including national anthems, flag ceremonies and handshakes between the players and coaching staffs.