FAI members vote to proceed with Nations League games against Israel

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has voted to proceed with its Nations League matches against Israel, following a contentious Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) in Dublin. The motion, put forward by the FAI board, passed with 75 delegates voting in favor, while 32 opposed the decision and two abstained.

The resolution stated that members should "recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development." It also acknowledged "the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men's Nations League fixtures." The FAI board's decision to fulfill its obligations was subsequently endorsed by the members present.

Ireland's men's team, managed by Heimir Hallgrímsson, is scheduled to play Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27 for the away fixture. The return home fixture is set to take place on October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia. The vote comes amid significant debate and strong emotions surrounding the fixtures, given the ongoing conflict in the region.

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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.