Palestine Football Association says it doesn't endorse switch of Ireland- Israel game

A Deliveroo rider passes the new Lamine Yamal mural outside Bohemians' Dalymount Park, which features the Barcelona star with a Palestinian flag and the words "stop the game", referencing calls to halt the Ireland v Israel European cup fixture. Picture date: Monday May 18, 2026.

The Palestine Football Association has clarified that it does not endorse Ireland's Nations League game with Israel being played at a neutral venue.

Last week the FAI confirmed the October 4 home fixture for Ireland would be played behind closed doors away from the Aviva Stadium. There had been growing pressure to boycott the fixture, with a 'Stop the Game' campaign  launched by the group Irish Sport for Palestine.

The FAI insisted boycotting the game would have "a profound impact on the whole of Irish football", with sanctions likely from Uefa.

In announcing the decision to switch the match, the FAI indicated that the  Palestine FA "affirms its respect for the decision".

However, the Palestine FA moved on Thursday to clarify it hasn't issued any statement "endorsing, approving or supporting the decision to proceed with the match".

"Any interpretation suggesting the PFA has given its blessing to the fixture does not accurately reflect our position," it added.

بيان صادر عن الاتحاد الفلسطيني لكرة القدم
في ضوء ما تم تداوله إعلامياً من تصريحات ومواقف مرتبطة بمباراة دوري الأمم الأوروبية المرتقبة بين جمهورية إيرلندا وإسرائيل، وما تضمنته من إشارات إلى الاتحاد الفلسطيني لكرة القدم، يود الاتحاد توضيح موقفه بشكل صريح:
لم يصدر عن الاتحاد… pic.twitter.com/80nMA4yYxX

— Palestine Football Association (@Palestine_fa) June 18, 2026

The Palestine FA added it had "long-standing principle" of respecting that each association can make its own decisions, but reiterated it does not endorse the game being played and said "our position regarding Israeli football remains unchanged and unequivocal".

"While the PFA respects the right of every association to determine how it navigates its own sporting, legal, and regulatory obligations, such respect should not be misconstrued as endorsement of any particular decision."

The Palestine FA said it "continues to pursue accountability through Fifa and other international sporting bodies for Israel's persistent violations of Fifa statutes", stating that athletes had been killed in the conflict and sporting infrastructure had also been destroyed, as well as the "devastating impact of Israel's war on all aspects of Palestinian life".

It added: "The PFA rejects any characterisation that could be interpreted as providing political or moral cover for Israel's continued participation in international football while these grave violations persist.

"The PFA would not, and will not, be party to any effort that normalises these realities or contributes to the sportswashing of crimes committed against the Palestinian people." 

The PFA reiterated its appreciation for the support of Irish people.

"In the same context, the Palestinian Football Association expresses its deep appreciation for the historic positions of the Irish people, and for the ongoing support expressed by various components of football in Ireland—from the federation and clubs to players, fans, and civil society institutions—in solidarity with the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people."