UEFA inaction has tied the FAI's hands, says Courell

FAI Chief Executive David Courell has said that he recognises the strength of feeling among the Irish public about the upcoming Nations League games with Israel, but that he feels the lack of action from UEFA leaves the organisation in a "really difficult position".

The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen in Hungary on 27 September for the 'away' tie, before the return 'home' fixture on 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Last month the FAI confirmed that there will be no tickets sold to Ireland supporters for the games with Ireland's 'home’ game being played behind closed doors and only Israeli fans present for the September game.

Calls for the FAI to boycott the games have intensified in recent days but after a motion in favour of proceeding with the Nations League double header against Israel was backed at an FAI extraordinary general meeting in July, it appears the decision has been made.

Courell defended the FAI position, and pointed to the fact that they have lobbied both UEFA and FIFA for Israel to be removed from international competition due to their actions in Palestine, but have lacked support from other nations.

"I'm not here to deny the strength of sentiment that exists there," he told RTÉ Sport. "I think we can all feel it and we can all appreciate it and, you know, it's tangible.

"I believe the association has been put in a really difficult position. We are here because we were drawn out of a bowl for the qualification group, but also, it's been compounded by the association adopting a very strong position publicly and formally with UEFA.

"So I hope people can recognise that we often remain silent on the topic, as Heimir [Halgrimsson] has said, we're playing against Israel, not with them.

"There is a distinction here. And we will continue to advocate the change, but we believe it's more powerful at an institutional level as opposed to an individualised boycott.

"We wish we weren't in this position. We have publicly called for, and formally called for, Israel's removal from international football. We were the only federation in UEFA out of 55 that has done so formally. But at an institutional level, that hasn't happened yet.

"As such, the decision rested with the FAI. We want, particularly now in the lead in to these fixtures, to offer our support and protection to the players because it's a decision that rests with the FAI board.

"The decision has been taken, it has been endorsed by our General Assembly. We have an oversight group of 137 people that is made up of every aspect of the game from grassroots to leagues, to professional players, to fans.

"We took that position from the board to the General Assembly this summer, as we know. We had a very robust and respectful debate.

"But it was reassuring to hear from our own football community in a factor of, I think, 75 to 32 in favour of proceeding with the games that while this is difficult, they understand the consequences that are possible for Irish football and accept and respect the position of the association board."

Courell reiterated his call for UEFA and FIFA to take action against Israel and insisted that the FAI will continue to raise the issue, again pointing to the lack of support from other nations for the Irish position.

"What we believe, and what we have been consistently doing, is using our voice on the international stage with the institutions that be in UEFA and FIFA, to call for that change at that level, because that's where a really effective boycott will come into place if they are removed from international football.

"We have spoken to UEFA extensively over the last year, yes. And their response? It's the same as it has been for some time. They recognise the strength of conviction from the FAI on this topic and how that reflects the solidarity the Irish people have of the Palestinian plight

"But equally they have to consider the sentiment of 54 other nations. And unfortunately, at this moment in time, it's not universal."

Click here to read article