FAI: Israel boycott would cause 'lasting harm' to Irish football

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) board has strongly advised its members against boycotting upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel. In a letter ahead of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), the board warned that such a move would inflict "significant and lasting harm" on Irish football.

Members are set to vote on the issue next Wednesday after groups opposed to the fixtures secured enough signatures to trigger the EGM. However, the motion to be voted on is not the one proposing a boycott, which was deemed invalid. Instead, the FAI board has put forward its own motion, acknowledging the strong feelings regarding Palestine but emphasizing the profound impact non-fulfillment of fixtures would have on the sport's development.

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Having considered all the available information and the consequences of non-fulfilment, the board concluded that refusing to play these fixtures would cause significant and lasting harm to Irish football, with no indication that such an action would result in any change to Israel's participation in UEFA competitions.

The board outlined severe consequences, including immediate 3-0 losses, likely relegation to League C, and a direct revenue loss of €5.5 million. They cautioned that a boycott could lead to exclusion from current and future UEFA and FIFA competitions, risking a "lasting competitive disadvantage" that would hinder major tournament qualification prospects for years. Furthermore, financial repercussions could include the withholding of all UEFA distributions and participation income, reducing investment in clubs, leagues, and grassroots football.

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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.