FAI confirm Israel trip still on

The Football Association of Ireland are pressing ahead with plans for their forthcoming matches against Israel in Tel Aviv later this month despite the latest security alert.

A Palestinian suicide bomber killed four people and injured over 40 outside a popular seafront nightclub in the Israeli city on Friday night, putting the FAI on alert.

The attack was the first since Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed early last month to end violence in pursuit of peace, and was the first suicide attack in Israel since a bomber killed two people in a Tel Aviv market on November 1.

The bombing prompted immediate discussions between the FAI, the Israeli embassy and FIFA with regard arrangements for the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier in Tel Aviv on March 26, and the European Under-21 Championship clash 24 hours earlier.

FAI chief executive officer John Delaney yesterday received an update from FIFA general secretary, Dr Urs Linsi, while FAI officials today met Israeli ambassador, Daniel Megiddo, to discuss the situation.

The association, who are also in regular contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs, have received positive assurances from all concerned and the matches are to go ahead as planned.

Delaney said: “We had a very positive meeting with the ambassador today and while the situation continues to be monitored, we are proceeding with full plans for the matches in Israel.”