​The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) General Assembly has approved a motion backing the Republic of Ireland’s plan to proceed with their Nations League fixtures against Israel. The motion was carried at an Extraordinary General Meeting held at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, with 75 members voting in favor and 32 against, from a total of 114 attendees, plus three abstentions.
The motion, proposed by the FAI, stated: “While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men’s Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development, and accordingly endorses the Association fulfilling its obligations in respect of those fixtures.” The EGM was convened after more than 10% of the FAI’s members expressed opposition to playing the Nations League games, although the outcome of the meeting remains non-binding on the FAI executive.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the FAI said the passage of the motion “provides the FAI board with the support to continue making decisions in the best interests of Irish football.” The association also said it understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, campaigners, members of the public, and the wider Irish football community in relation to the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel. It added that the FAI will continue to liaise with various stakeholders and support the Ireland squad for its Nations League campaign.
Previously, the FAI warned that boycotting the autumn fixtures against Israel would cause “significant and lasting harm” to Irish football, including a potential loss of €10.3 million (£9 million). After the Nations League draw in February, the FAI reiterated its commitment to fulfil the fixtures, with chief executive David McDermott (note: ensure correct name if different) stating that the governing body had “no choice” and could face “serious consequences” if it withdrew from the games. The issue has seen increasing calls within the Republic of Ireland to boycott the matches.
Protests were held outside the Aviva on Wednesday as the EGM took place, with earlier demonstrations outside the Dáil (the Irish parliament) this year. In May, Ireland’s friendly with Qatar was interrupted twice when tennis balls bearing the Palestine flag were thrown onto the pitch. A campaign under the banner Stop the Game has been launched by the group Irish Sport for Palestine. Both of Ireland’s games against Israel later this year are scheduled to be played at neutral venues: Israel’s home match on 27 October will take place in Debrecen, Hungary, while Ireland’s home fixture is set for 4 October behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, after UEFA granted the FAI a request due to “operational issues” in staging the match in Dublin.