The New Official Republic of Ireland Football Thread

Pogue Mahone said:
Fair fecking play for the post match discussion on RTE acknowledging the tennis ball protest and having a very grown up discussion about Israel. They even held up one of the balls for the camera. I have a real soft spot for Richie. A really thoughtful and empathic dude. Poles apart from the average ex pro on the other side of the pond (although shout out to Gary Lineker, to be fair)
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Just saw the video of it on Reddit. So much respect for that.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Fair fecking play for the post match discussion on RTE acknowledging the tennis ball protest and having a very grown up discussion about Israel. They even held up one of the balls for the camera. I have a real soft spot for Richie. A really thoughtful and empathic dude. Poles apart from the average ex pro on the other side of the pond (although shout out to Gary Lineker, to be fair)
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Richie Sadlier always worth listening to.

The fact that the recognised that the football world was an artificial bubble and that he needed go to therapy to be able to function and have fulfilling relationships outside of it, before studying to become a therapist himself, speaks volumes. He expressed all of the misgivings a lot of us have very eloquently and even handedly.
 
If Ireland refused to play Israel and they had to give up hosting their matches in Euro 2028 as a result would people accept that?
 
Ole'sgunnarwin said:
If Ireland refused to play Israel and they had to give up hosting their matches in Euro 2028 as a result would people accept that?
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I would, yeah. It's not really taking a moral stand if you back down as soon as it becomes inconvenient.
 
Ole'sgunnarwin said:
If Ireland refused to play Israel and they had to give up hosting their matches in Euro 2028 as a result would people accept that?
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The even more head melting prospect is giving Israel six guaranteed points and, hence, a much improved chance of qualification for that competition. Where we could, presumably, end up being asked to host one of their fixtures.
 
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Ole'sgunnarwin said:
If Ireland refused to play Israel and they had to give up hosting their matches in Euro 2028 as a result would people accept that?
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Absolutely. Besides the fact that I don't give two fecks about the consequences. Football is corrupt as bejaysus and honestly participation in any international tournament tarnishes the ideals of those who fought for this country if you think about it.

But anyway if that's not your concern and it's too long ago to care about, or you think this is just the world we are in and let's just deal with the here and now, what are the actual consequences of feckin the game off? Some games don't get to be played in Dublin? It's not going to bankrupt the country.
 
Withnail said:
Absolutely. Besides the fact that I don't give two fecks about the consequences. Football is corrupt as bejaysus and honestly participation in any international tournament tarnishes the ideals of those who fought for this country if you think about it.

But anyway if that's not your concern and it's too long ago to care about, or you think this is just the world we are in and let's just deal with the here and now, what are the actual consequences of feckin the game off? Some games don't get to be played in Dublin? It's not going to bankrupt the country.
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Hosting the Euros is probably Ireland’s best chance of competing in the competition. Arguably our only chance if we give Israel all 6 points from our two games against them. So there’s a lot of consequences to think about if we feck these games off. Disgraceful for us to end up in this situation.
 
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We shouldn't play them in my opinion, even at the expense of a Euro place. Didn't a couple of Nordic countries refuse to play Russia a few years ago and UEFA didn't do anything? They're not even a European country! We were happy to walk away from Eurovision.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Hosting the Euros is probably Ireland’s best chance of competing in the competition. Arguably our only chance if we give Israel all 6 points from our two games against them. So there’s a lot of consequences to think about if we feck these games off. Disgraceful for us to end up in this situation.
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It is a disgraceful situation but some things are more important than football. No way should anybody play them at anything.
 
Pogue Mahone said:
Hosting the Euros is probably Ireland’s best chance of competing in the competition. Arguably our only chance if we give Israel all 6 points from our two games against them. So there’s a lot of consequences to think about if we feck these games off. Disgraceful for us to end up in this situation.
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To be honest it really doesn't bother me if we don't make it into the competition..
 
The responsibility of footballers is to play football and for the managers to manage. To ask players to boycott a football match and to leave that in there hands shows how cowardly the FAI are, not that we all didn’t know that.
 
Oranges038 said:
Saw an official release from the FAI.

Dear Member,

Following the recent UEFA Nations League draw, which has paired the Republic of Ireland men’s senior team with Israel in September 2026, the Board has carefully considered our position. After taking legal advice, engaging with key stakeholders and reflecting on our constitutional obligations, we have decided that the Football Association of Ireland will fulfil both fixtures and will host the home match at the Aviva Stadium as scheduled.

We understand that this decision will be difficult for many members and supporters. It has not been taken lightly.

As a member association of UEFA, we are bound by its regulations. Our Constitution requires us to adhere to UEFA’s rules, including the obligation to fulfil scheduled international fixtures and to avoid actions that would constitute undue political interference. We have made our views known directly to UEFA, including following the motion overwhelmingly approved by members at last November’s Extraordinary General Meeting, and we have continued to raise those concerns over a sustained period. However, having been drawn to play these fixtures, we are required to do so.

From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences. It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would damage our seeding for EURO 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking. Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.

Our decision is not financially motivated. However, there would also be significant financial and regulatory consequences were we to refuse to fulfil the fixtures. The Board cannot act in a manner that would place the Association or its directors in breach of their legal duties or expose the FAI to severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions.

We fully appreciate the strength of feeling among members and supporters. The Board’s responsibility, however, is to make decisions in the best overall interests of Irish football, having regard to our legal, constitutional and regulatory obligations. That is the framework within which this decision has been made.

In relation to the hosting of the home fixture in Dublin, we have consulted with Government, An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders. The advice at this point is that the match can be staged safely at the Aviva Stadium. We will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities to ensure that the fixture is conducted in a safe, secure and well-managed manner.

The Board also wishes to reiterate that no one within the Association is dismissive of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The suffering of civilians is deeply distressing, and the concerns expressed by members are grounded in genuine compassion and principle. While our role is to safeguard Irish football, we do not ignore the broader context in which these fixtures arise.

In that regard, we intend to use the home fixture as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the conflict. Further details will be outlined closer to the match.

The mandate passed by members last year has not been disregarded. We acted on it promptly, formally writing to UEFA and advocating for greater transparency and consideration of the issues raised. We have continued those discussions over an extended period. However, being drawn to play these matches brings us to a point where we must now meet our regulatory obligations. This decision reflects the Board’s responsibility to protect the long-term interests of Irish football, and to ensure that the Association remains compliant with its governing framework.

We remain open to respectful and constructive engagement with members on this matter.

Yours sincerely,
President, FAI
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Posted the official press release from the FAI on this a while back, this was sent out to all clubs.
 
Actually maybe it is 00:45

BBC website and Canadian FA both saying 00:30 while the FAI and RTE are saying 00:45 and there's no movement regarding player movement if it was a 00:30 KO
 
Much better second half.

May as well just go for it now, guaranteed a playoff anyway.
 
As expected - moving to a neutral venue, which no fans will be able to go to.

"The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that UEFA has approved arequest to host the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel on 4 October overseas, in a neutral venue and behind closed doors.

"Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the viewthat operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on homesoil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium."



https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/202...h-with-israel-will-be-moved-to-neutral-venue/
 
Both games moved to neutral venues or just our home game? Or are Israel still playing in neutral venues?
 
Lads regarding the Ireland v Israel game the attitude taken by FFG is very strange .They told the FAI to play the game but their Ministers stated that they weren't going to attend! During the Dàil debate FFG speakers looked shamefaced as they attempted to defend their position while opposition speaker after opposition speaker lacerated them!
Is there an Irish version of AIPAC?
Some shameful shit.
 
The Brown Bull said:
Lads regarding the Ireland v Israel game the attitude taken by FFG is very strange .They told the FAI to play the game but their Ministers stated that they weren't going to attend! During the Dàil debate FFG speakers looked shamefaced as they attempted to defend their position while opposition speaker after opposition speaker lacerated them!
Is there an Irish version of AIPAC?
Some shameful shit.
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FFG are all talk with Israel. They happily get positive PR by condemning their actions but they will never, ever do anything actionable against them.
 
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