FAI to state 'clear position' on Israel's Gaza atrocities

Fans display a "Show Israel the red card" banner at the Aviva. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.

The FAI say they would like Uefa and Fifa to “adopt a strong position” about the actions of Israel in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian authorities.

However, the association’s chief executive David Courell would not disclose details of the representations they’ve made to their umbrella organisations.

Fans held up a ‘Show Israel the Red Card’ banner at last Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary while two of their affiliates, the Players Football Association of Ireland (PFAI) and The Irish Supporters Partnership (IFSP), have called on the FAI to act.

“Football cannot act as a bridge towards peace in a time of genocide and ethnic cleansing, when so many of those in the game who would be peacemakers and unifiers are being killed or injured,” read an excerpt from their latter to FAI President Paul Cooke.

“There will be no peace without justice first, and the suspension of Israeli teams until a lasting ceasefire and co-operation with humanitarian aid organisations is achieved is that justice.

“The time to act is now well overdue, and the FAI must take the lead along with supportive partner federations to bring the suspension of Israeli teams from competition to the relevant forums within Uefa.

“You said in February 2024 that this is a matter for Uefa. And while UEFA is accountable to its members, in turn you are accountable to the FAI's members.” Uefa has been criticised for allowing Israel’s national and club teams to participate in competitions.

Russia’s teams remain excluded since 2022, arising from the war waged against Ukraine.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah recently called out a Uefa tribute to the late Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”, after European football’s governing body failed to reference the circumstances surrounding his killing.

The Palestine Football Association said al-Obeid, 41, was killed by an Israeli attack on civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

In a brief post on X, Uefa called the former national team member “a talent who gave hope to countless children, even in the darkest of times”.

Salah responded by asking: “Can you tell us how he died, where, and why?”

Closer to home, the FAI’s are facing mounting scrutiny to lead condemnation.

Earlier this week, RTÉ confirmed they would not send an Irish entry to compete in the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest next May if Israel was allowed to continue participating.

Furthermore, the national broadcaster stated it would refuse to show both the semi-finals or final in Vienna. Their stance has been supported in solidarity by other nations, including the Netherlands.

Courell, while noting the FAI have acknowledged correspondence from two members of their General Assembly, spoke about the atrocities that have claimed the lives of thousands of children: “I think what is happening in Gaza is appalling. On a human level, it is really difficult to see that unfold.

“We are in ongoing dialogue with Uefa and Fifa on this, we have been for quite some time.

“We do look to them as the governing body at federation level and there are certain things that are in train in respect of those organisations.

“We are going to have continued conversations and will make our position clear in time.

“Well, we are making representations that we would like these global and regional federations to adopt a strong position. And yeah, we would hope they come back with clarity in the next few days.”

Ireland have only played Israel at underage level since the October 7, 2023 attack triggered an escalation of bloodshed in the area.

Courell was reluctant to address a query on whether Ireland could host Israel in the event they qualified for the Euro 2028 tournament the FAI is co-hosting with the UK federations.

“We will speak with our stakeholders first - they are the ones that brought the question to us, and we will be responding to us in due course,” he said, affirming an assurance to convey a more “measured response” within 10 days.

He also highlighted how the FAI sanctioned a friendly between Bohemians and the Palestinian women’s team that sold out to raise much-needed funds for families in the war-torn region.

“We have met the Palestinian FA and have facilitated a game here in Ireland,” he said.

“Our representations come in different shapes and forms - consultative forums and private conversations.”