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