The Republic of Ireland has "no choice" but to fulfil its Nations League fixtures with Israel, FAI CEO David Courell has said, after the assocation confirmed that the home tie on 4 October would be played in Dublin.
The FAI confirmed in a letter to its members this afternoon that it would be fulfilling the fixtures, stressing that "serious consequences" would result from forfeiting the games, which would "materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football".
The letter added that, having consulted with the government and An Gard Síochána, the FAI were satisfied that the home tie could be staged in Dublin.
The pairing of Ireland with Israel in the 2026-27 Nations League has generated significant controversy since the draw was performed in Brussels on 12 February.
The FAI released a statement immediately after the draw confirming that they would fulfil the fixtures, though several figures within politics and Irish football have called for the FAI to boycott the game in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Tony O'Donoghue, chief executive David Courell said the FAI had been presented with a difficult situation which only had "one viable option".
"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," said Courell.
"As such they [Israel] are permitted to compete. And we have been consistent from day one that we will fulfil these fixtures.
"We, in reality, do not have a choice for a variety of reasons.
"We are in these posts and in these positions to safeguard the future of Irish football.
"And in this situation, difficult as it is, the decision presented to us only has one viable option - which is to fulfil these games."
Regarding the decision to proceed with the game in Dublin, Courell said that any switch to a neutral venue must be "on the basis of a formal instruction of safety and security risk. That is not the case.
"The Garda Síochána 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," Courell added.
In November, the FAI General Assembly passed a motion mandating the FAI board to submit a motion to UEFA requesting the immediate suspension of Israel from international competition, citing breaches of UEFA statutes. The motion was passed with 74 votes in favour, seven against and two abstentions.
As to whether the general assembly would be consulted on the upcoming fixtures with Israel, Courell said "we're open to hearing any viewpoints that our general assembly have on the topic."
But he added: "However, the reality is the games will be fulfilled because it is within the best interests of our football."
In the letter written to general assembly members, seen by RTÉ, FAI president Paul Cooke said that the board could not take a decision which would leave the association exposed to "severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions."
"We understand that this decision will be difficult for many members and supporters. It has not been taken lightly," Cooke wrote.
"From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences. It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would damage our seeding for EURO 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking. Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.
"Our decision is not financially motivated. However, there would also be significant financial and regulatory consequences were we to refuse to fulfil the fixtures. The board cannot act in a manner that would place the association or its directors in breach of their legal duties or expose the FAI to severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions.
"We have made our views known directly to UEFA, including following the motion overwhelmingly approved by members at last November's Extraordinary General Meeting, and we have continued to raise those concerns over a sustained period. However, having been drawn to play these fixtures, we are required to do so.
"The board also wishes to reiterate that no one within the Association is dismissive of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The suffering of civilians is deeply distressing, and the concerns expressed by members are grounded in genuine compassion and principle. While our role is to safeguard Irish football, we do not ignore the broader context in which these fixtures arise.
"We intend to use the home fixture as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the conflict. Further details will be outlined closer to the match."
Since Ireland were drawn with Israel, several figures within Irish football have called for a boycott of the fixtures, including Brian Kerr, Stephen Bradley and Joey O'Brien.
Alongside calls for a boycott, there had been reports that the game could be switched to a neutral venue due to security concerns.
Belgium's home tie against Israel in September 2024 had previously been relocated to Debrecen in Hungary due to "security fears."
The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland [PFAI] published results of a survey around the game this evening, with a majority of members feeling the Nations League clash should not go ahead.
The survey found 63% of players said Ireland should not play the fixture.
A total of 214 players from professional clubs across the League of Ireland Men's Premier Division, the Women’s Premier Division and First Division took part in the survey.
Ireland last played Israel in Dublin in June 2005, drawing 2-2 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.
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