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A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>During a press conference last week, Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said: 'We are not playing with genocide, we are playing against genocide'. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile</p>

soccer

Israel FA hits back at Hallgrimsson over 'genocide' remark

The Israel FA issued a statement in response to the Ireland head coach's comments

<p>STOP THE GAME protesters outside the ground, calling for Republic of Ireland's upcoming matches against Israel to be stopped, before the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match between Galway United and Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park in Galway. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile</p>

soccer

Irish athletes call on soccer stars to boycott Israel games — 'The most sporting thing you could do'

<p>Jamie McGrath was named to start for Hibs against Aberdeen but was withdrawn before the kick-off due to a calf injury. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.</p>

soccer

Lawal, Vale and McGrath add to Ireland's injury concerns

Republic of Ireland v Hungary - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

soccer

RTÉ confirms scaled back coverage for Nations League matches against Israel

FAI EGM - Media Conference

soccer

Comment: Leadership deficit detrimental to FAI handling tricky Israel fixtures

Republic of Ireland Men Squad Announcement

soccer

Hallgrimsson spoke to every Ireland player individually on Israel question

Leeds United v Brentford - Premier League - Elland Road

Kitching included, Coleman and Collins miss out as Hallgrimsson names Ireland squad for Nations League

There is no place in the squad for Seamus Coleman, without a club since his Everton departure, nor is there a place for Robbie Brady, while Nathan Collins misses out with a calf injury suffered on Brentford duty.

Thu, 17 Sep, 2026

TDs urge Irish footballers to follow Ed Sheeran tour artists’ lead on Palestine

TDs urge Irish footballers to follow Ed Sheeran tour artists’ lead on Palestine

Opposition politicians have urged Irish players and the FAI to consider a stand over Israel ahead of October’s Nations League fixture

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Republic of Ireland v Moldova - UEFA European U21 Championship Qualifier

S John Fallon: The grim reality of the lack of Irish underage games on home soil

Irish culture is conditioned to supporting our own, but be that family or friends, it entails jumping aboard a plane.

Wed, 16 Sep, 2026

Manchester City v Arsenal - FA Youth Cup

Michael O'Neill has no doubt over Arsenal teen despite FAI approach

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill named Ceadach O'Neill in his squad for the upcoming Nations League games

Tue, 15 Sep, 2026

Republic of Ireland v North Macedonia - International Friendly

'We shouldn't have to play these games': FAI supremo Martin states stance on Israel

FAI director of football John Martin is expecting a full complement of Ireland players to turn out for the Nations League games against Israel

Mon, 14 Sep, 2026

FAI UEFA Pro Licence Course - Day 2

Noel Hunt on developing late, Pep Guardiola's advice and his new role as Ireland U19 boss

Hunt's new routine entails preparing to face England in a friendly at St George’s Park on Friday week before a camp in Slovenia.

Sat, 12 Sep, 2026

Leinster v Glasgow Warriors - United Rugby Championship

Staff unease leads to RTÉ and Newstalk stripping back coverage of Ireland v Israel games

It is expected RTÉ will have a skeleton crew on the ground at the matches against Israel in Hungary and Serbia

Fri, 11 Sep, 2026

Republic of Ireland v Slovenia - UEFA Women's Nations League League B

'We're up 70% from the World Cup in 23' but growth in registered female footballers has slowed

Compared to a figure of 45,000 players referenced in that blueprint of 2025, the latest figure is put at 47,000, a mere 5% increase over an 18-month period.

Thu, 10 Sep, 2026

Premier Sports Season Launch – Rugby & Football

Kenny Cunningham: Ireland v Israel game should have stayed in Dublin

Cunningham believes Ireland and Israel's Nations League game, which has been moved to Serbia, should have stayed in Dublin. He would respect any player who decides they do not want to play in the fixture

Mon, 07 Sep, 2026

EA Sports LOI Academy Media Briefing

'Most important 50 jobs in Irish football': FAI hail academy industry stimulus

Among the academy directors to be appointed are Colin O’Brien (Cork City), Johnny Dunleavy (Waterford), Stephen Henderson (Cobh Ramblers) Keith Long (Shelbourne) and Alan Moore (Bohemians).

Wed, 02 Sep, 2026

FAI headquarters

FAI condemns 'intimidation and harrassment' after Israel vote

The association said that the alleged targeting of 'FAI staff, board members, general assembly members' is 'unacceptable'

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup Semi-Final Draw

St Mary’s, Cobh Wanderers, St Mochta’s and Finglas United through to FAI Intermediate Cup semis

St. Mary’s will host St. Mochta’s in the semi-finals in Kilcully and Cobh Wanderers will welcome Finglas United to Old Church Park

Sun, 23 Aug, 2026

Marc Canham 16/1/2025

Former FAI chief football officer Marc Canham takes up Saudi Arabia role

Canham left the FAI in April 2025

Mon, 17 Aug, 2026

A view of FAI HQ in Abbotstown 23/3/2019

FAI withdraws its support for Gianni Infantino

The FAI has followed the lead taken by the likes of the FA and the Welsh Football Association

Thu, 13 Aug, 2026

FAI EGM - Media Conference

FAI warned Ireland vs Israel security failure would 'reflect badly on the State', records show

Freedom of Information records reveal the FAI sought wider Government involvement before the Nations League fixture was relocated to Serbia

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump File Photo

European World Cup boycott pledge strikes blow against FIFA’s investment plan

UEFA reacted furiously when the plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) first emerged in media reports on Tuesday

Sat, 01 Aug, 2026

Kalju v Shelbourne - UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round 2nd Leg

Ajax loom for Shelbourne after first Conference League mission completed

John Russell’s Reds did the legwork in last week’s first leg at Tolka Park by racking up a 5-2 lead over Nõmme Kalju

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

FAI EGM - Media Conference

FAI confirm boycott of Ireland teams from World Cup competition fixtures

FAI president Paul Cooke participated in Tuesday’s emergency online summit of all 55 European nations, resulting in a unified objection to the bombshell revelation by Gianni Infantino of his wish to sell 20% of World Cup rights to private investors

Thu, 30 Jul, 2026

Qatar v Republic of Ireland - International Friendly

Israel yet to decide if Ireland fans can attend Nations League fixture in Hungary

Israel's FA said a decision on the matter will be made this week

Wed, 29 Jul, 2026

Kerry v Shelbourne - Club Orange Men’s FAI Cup Second Round

FAI Cup last-16 draw: Holders Shamrock Rovers take on St Pats, Kerry draw Sligo after Shels shock

Elsewhere, Waterford’s reward for coming from behind to beat Cobh Ramblers on Friday is another home assignment, this time against Athlone Town, while Kerry take the long trip to the Premier Division’s bottom side Sligo Rovers

Tue, 21 Jul, 2026

Glebe North FC v Ringmahon Rangers FC - FAI Intermediate Cup Final 2023/24

John Fallon: A full apology from Ringmahon Rangers is overdue at this stage

A full apology is overdue at this stage and necessary.

Tue, 14 Jul, 2026

David Courell, Paul Cooke and Tony Keohane 8/7/2026

'We should try to beat them at all costs, keep them down from qualifying': FAI motion on Israel games passes

Former Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner, currently the association’s international and high performance chairperson, was particularly passionate in pleading for a yes vote.

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

FAI motion to progress with Israel Uefa Nations League games passed at EGM

FAI motion to progress with Israel Uefa Nations League games passed at EGM

The EGM was preceded by a protest at the tunnel entrance of the stadium.

Wed, 08 Jul, 2026

Paul Cooke FAI President 8/11/2025

'A unilateral boycott isolates Ireland while Israel continue,' FAI board makes plea ahead of EGM

Cork City were among five members raising a motion calling on the FAI to withdraw from the games on September 27 and October 4 but their application was deemed procedurally out of order

Thu, 02 Jul, 2026

Serbia U21 v Italy U21 - International Friendly

FAI confirm Ireland will play Israel in Serbia

The FAI said the decision to move the game to a neutral venue was made "due to operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil"

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026

Irish Examiner view: Duty of care owed to prisoners

Irish Examiner view: Duty of care owed to prisoners

There are no addiction nurses employed by the Irish Prison Service, even though thousands of prisoners suffer from addiction issues

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Shamrock Rovers v St Patrick's Athletic - SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

FAI accused of a 'cop out' by moving Israel fixture overseas

Uefa has approved holding the Nations League fixture with Israel on October 4 behind closed doors in a neutral venue abroad

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Shelbourne v Shamrock Rovers - SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division

FAI hopes Palestinian backing will sway members on Israel fixture

The FAI hierarchy remain steadfastly against the proposal to boycott both Nations League fixtures against Israel

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Republic of Ireland v Qatar - International Friendly

FAI submits final bid to host 2029 Women's Champions League decider

A decision on which venue will host the 28th final of the competition will be announced by Uefa in September.

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Ireland v Israel European cup match

Ireland v Israel: Government puts the boot in to support match going ahead

Coalition parties finding more and more reasons why fixture should happen

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Ireland v Israel European cup match

Boycott campaign says Ireland-Israel Nations League games are ‘bigger than football’

Campaigners and politicians argue relocating the fixtures would not address wider concerns over playing the matches

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

'I specifically remember cheese sandwiches': Roy Keane has 'no regrets' as Saipan changed Ireland standards

'I specifically remember cheese sandwiches': Roy Keane has 'no regrets' as Saipan changed Ireland standards

Keane was speaking with Micah Richards and Clinton Morrison on their road trip in the third episode of their new Sky Bet World Cup mini-series, Road To America.

Tue, 09 Jun, 2026

A view of tennis balls thrown on the pitch in protest by fans 28/5/2026

Ireland v Israel moving closer to neutral venue as FAI board meet again

Ireland are scheduled to face Israel at home in the Nations League on October 4

Mon, 08 Jun, 2026

Canada v Republic of Ireland - International Friendly

Hallgrímsson salutes Ireland resolve as Ogbene leads fightback in draw with Canada

'There is a great future in the players we’ve picked,' said Hallgrimsson after he saw his side turn around a half-time deficit

Sat, 06 Jun, 2026

John Fallon: The battle between the North and FAI for Ireland's top young talent

John Fallon: The battle between the North and FAI for Ireland's top young talent

Chelsea prospect Chris Atherton in February became the latest northern-born player to defect while the FAI haven’t given up on Arsenal’s Ceadach O'Neill despite the 18-year-old getting fast-tracked into O’Neill’s squad for this week’s friendlies.

Wed, 03 Jun, 2026

RTE pay revelations

Government cannot keep ‘plugging the hole’ in RTÉ funding, says media minister

Media minister Patrick O’Donovan said difficult decisions lie ahead over the future funding and structure of RTÉ

Wed, 27 May, 2026

FAI UEFA Pro Licence Course - Day 2

FAI unveils new underage coaching structure with Noel Hunt among appointments

FAI technical director Shane Robinson said the association wanted to create a "full-time coaching structure that is more connected, collaborative and aligned across the pathway"

Tue, 26 May, 2026

A general view of the Aviva Stadium 26/3/2019

'Growing safety and moral concerns' for staff working during Ireland-Israel fixture

Union members working across transport, broadcasting, and aviation sectors are seeking guidance ahead of Ireland’s October fixture against Israel.

Wed, 13 May, 2026

FAI Director of Football Media Briefing

S John Fallon: John Martin’s Shamrock Rovers history mystery bad for his FAI role

For the future of harmonious relationships, more than clarity from Fifa will be required to defuse this timebomb.

Wed, 13 May, 2026

GQ Men of the Year Awards 2018 - London

Paul Weller and Stephen Rea join calls for FAI to boycott matches against Israel

Current and former players have also signed letter to Football Association of Ireland

Wed, 06 May, 2026

Czechia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Play-off Semi-Final

Hallgrímsson insists Coleman shouldn't let age stand in way of featuring at Euro 2028

Asked if Coleman, who also skippers Everton, can stick around for the finals at the age of 39, Hallgrímsson said: 'Just because of a number, it shouldn’t be a reason why he should stop'

Sat, 28 Mar, 2026

Heimir Hallgrímsson ahead of the match 26/3/2026

'It’s like a car crash, best to drive again': Hallgrímsson retains squad for dead rubber

Only Sammie Szmodics, who must comply with protocols after being knocked out, and Jack Taylor, due to a family illness, were not part of the squad training back in Abbotstown this morning

Sat, 28 Mar, 2026

Czechia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Play-off Semi-Final

Czechia v Ireland: World Cup road ends in despair after penalty shootout defeat

Czechia came from two down to defeat Ireland on penalties in the World Cup playoff.

Thu, 26 Mar, 2026

Czechia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers Play-off Semi-Final

S Golden times for Irish sport – and the Irish abroad show the best version of ourselves

We’re spoiled, but all that success would add up to a banquet without a main course if the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team wasn’t able to bring something of its own to the table

Thu, 26 Mar, 2026