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

The Stop The Game campaign noted the tennis ball protest during the recent men’s friendly against Qatar was only the start of their protests. Pic: Paul Phelan/Sportsfile

The FAI hope that an endorsement by the Palestinian federation of their decision to move the Uefa Nations League fixture will influence an upcoming ballot by their members.

Eventually, 120 days after the draw pitted Ireland against Israel, the association bowed to public pressure by confirming the October 4 match, originally set for Lansdowne Road, could be taken out of the country into a neutral venue behind closed doors.

That decision won’t placate the portion of General Assembly members, including Cork City, who recently signed a petition seeking an emergency general meeting to vote on a motion to boycott both fixtures against the Israelis during the four-game window.

The FAI hierarchy remain steadfastly against that proposal, outlining the footballing and financial implications in their statement released on Friday morning, arising from two board meetings held five days apart.

Aside from losing the six points to a League B rival, they specify ‘further disciplinary measures’ – including potential disqualification from the competition.

This punishment hasn’t been referenced publicly by Uefa, further outraging the Stop The Game campaign, who noted the tennis ball protest during the recent men’s friendly against Qatar was only the start of public disobedience.

Noting that the ‘FAI maintains its position, given it would have a profound impact on the whole of Irish football’ the association outlined that forfeiture meant there “could be broader consequences for Irish football, such as reduced capacity to support clubs and leagues through critical services such as safeguarding, educational programmes, and player development opportunities.” 

They add: “Also, the impact on Ireland international teams could result in the withdrawal of underage teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players & staff.” 

Up next for the FAI is informing Uefa of the exact alternative venue after the European governing body ‘approved’ the switch. It was significant that no pressure from Government or An Garda Síochána was mentioned in the statement, only ‘operating challenges impacting the delivery of the game on home soil.’ It’s understood a number of overseas countries are being considered, including Iceland or, within mainland Europe, Switzerland.

Hungary, where Israel have been staging their ‘home games’ since Uefa banned them from home territory games, is thought to be no longer be a runner for the FAI.

Thereafter comes the EGM, though the outcome of that isn’t binding on the FAI’s 12-person board to activate.

It was significant that the 770-word FAI announcement contained quotes from the Palestinian FA endorsing the decision.

This was considered, within Government circles, to be a political masterstroke in the context of ‘the football family’ deciding what way to vote in a ballot that requires a simple majority.

“The Palestinian FA affirms its respect for the decision made by the FAI within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect,” it read.

It remains to be seen whether moving the game, rather than stopping it, is sufficient to convince the broader constituent base that this action, albeit belated, goes far enough.