FAI says Ireland faced 'undetermined' sanctions if Israel match not played
FAI president Paul Cooke says Ireland risked unspecified UEFA sanctions had they refused to play their Nations League fixture against Israel, which they won 3-0 after a divided players' vote.
Republic of Ireland played their Nations League match against Israel on Sunday after a players' vote passed by a significant majority, with FAI president Paul Cooke saying the side risked "undetermined" sanctions had they refused. Ireland won 3-0 in Hungary, one of the neutral venues chosen for the Group B3 fixtures after the teams were drawn together in February.
Before kick-off, the Ireland players did not shake hands with their opponents and bowed their heads during Israel's anthem. There was also no exchange of pennants between captain Dara O'Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon, who did not shake hands.
The build-up was marked by real doubt over whether the game would go ahead. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew in protest, several other players expressed concerns, and the squad held a meeting at their hotel on Saturday morning before voting to fulfil the fixture. Cooke praised the players and manager Heimir Hallgrimsson after the win.
The "Stop The Game" campaign, organised by pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, had urged the players to withdraw because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, and supporters have been vocal in backing that call. Their position is an opinion rather than a verified fact about the players' own reasoning.
Cooke defended the FAI's handling of the controversy, saying the organisation had consistently stated it would play, a decision mandated by its members and board. Asked about UEFA's response to an FAI letter last November proposing Israel's expulsion from international and club competitions, he said the governing body replied that it would consider the matter and is still considering it. Cooke also said he had asked Austria and Kosovo, the group's other countries, whether they would back sanctions against Israel, and they reaffirmed their decisions to play.
The second meeting between Ireland and Israel is scheduled for 4 October in the Serbian town of Backa Topola.
Image: Inpho / BBC Sport
