Just a few months after advocating for the Israeli national football team to be kicked out of UEFA, Ireland has now decided to face Israel in a Nations League match this autumn.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had previously backed a motion in November aimed at expelling Israel from UEFA. This initiative was in collaboration with the Norwegian and Turkish football federations, driven by concerns over the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also echoed similar sentiments. Ultimately, the proposal did not pass.
Interestingly, while the FAI had called for Israel’s expulsion earlier in the season, it hasn’t formally commented on its plan to play against Israel now.
The FAI noted, “In 2025, members proposed a motion to submit a request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israeli Football Association from UEFA competitions due to violations of the regulations.” After a vote in favor, the association submitted this motion in November 2025. However, they’re currently in talks with UEFA officials but understand that refusing to host a match could result in a forfeit and potential disciplinary actions, including disqualification.
Recently, the two nations were placed in Group B3 of the Nations League.
A motion regarding the Gaza conflict was introduced in September but was ultimately put on hold. Moreover, on October 3, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that no measures would be taken against the team following a notable peace proposal by former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Irish soccer supporters have actively protested Israel’s participation in sports leagues since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Demonstrators displayed signs reading “Keep Israel out of UEFA and FIFA” during protests in Dublin this October, marking two years since the attacks. Additionally, during a match against Hungary in September, fans were seen holding signs that said “Show Israel a red card.”
