'I don’t see a difference between Russia and Israel,' - Hallgrímsson backs push for Uefa to act

The Ireland boss was asked for his opinion on possible sanctions.

POLITICAL FOOTBALL: Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson. Pic: INPHO/Tom Maher

Heimir Hallgrímsson doesn’t see why Israel should be allowed to play internationals by Uefa and Fifa when the governing bodies were swift to ban Russia three years ago.

The Ireland manager was asked for his personal opinion on the consequences of the United Nations independent international commission of inquiry concluding that Israel has committed acts amounting to genocide in Gaza.

All Russian clubs and international teams are suspended from football since February 2022, the sanction imposed four days after the invasion of Ukraine.

Israel’s representative teams, male and female, continue to participate in competitions under the auspices of Uefa and Fifa. Maccabi Tel Aviv are also part of the Europa League group phase this season.

Pressure has mounted in recent weeks for the umbrella organisations to act but no decision has been made.

There had been speculation that Uefa could exclude teams from their European competitions but remain in Fifa’s. Israel's status is not part of the agenda for Fifa’s routine Council meeting on Thursday.

The situation within Fifa is complicated due to their president Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with US President Donald Trump. That bond will only strengthen in the buildup to the men’s World Cup next year co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

In parallel, the FAI are pressing on with their plan to ballot their General Assembly members at an upcoming EGM on a motion to lobby for Uefa to suspend Israel.

Ireland manager Hallgrímsson wasn’t speaking on their behalf when supplying his view which was unequivocally supportive of the suppressed Palestinian population.

“I don’t see a difference between Fifa and Uefa banning Russia and not Israel,” said the Icelander. “I don’t see the difference.

“I am not speaking on behalf of the FAI – I just don’t see the difference.” 

Hallgrímsson’s contract is linked to the World Cup qualifying campaign which continues next Saturday against the group’s top seeds Portugal in Lisbon. Were he to extend his deal for next year, there’s a 25% chance of Ireland drawing Israel in the Uefa Nations League B.

“Would I have struggled if they wanted Ireland to play Israel, if they were in our group?” he pondered.

“Of course we would play. I wouldn’t have a problem with that.

“It is an absolute tragedy what is happening there. If Fifa and Uefa are banning one nation for the same thing, I don’t see the difference.

“That’s my opinion but it’s only my opinion. I hope you respect that one, I am not going into the political area.”