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On Friday, the FAI said it “understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture”.<\/p>\n
The FAI also shared a statement from the Palestinian Football Association, which said: “The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes. <\/p>\n
“The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland 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.”<\/p>\n
Despite having faced calls from within Ireland to boycott the games, the FAI insists it will fulfil the fixtures as pulling out of the matches would have “a profound impact on the whole of Irish football”. <\/p>\n
It said the result of not fulfilling the games would be the forfeiture of six points which could lead to relegation to League C in the Nations League and an impact on the team’s Uefa and Fifa rankings while highlighting that “the converse of these impacts would apply to Israel”, increasing their chances of Nations League promotion and Euro 2028 qualification. <\/p>\n
“Beyond the sporting implications, there would 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,” added the statement.<\/p>\n
“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 and staff.”<\/p>\n