Hallgrimsson urges UEFA to drop Ireland‑Israel fixtures

Ireland's head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has called on UEFA to prevent future matches between Ireland and Israel. After the 1-1 draw in the Nations League second leg, he told the Irish broadcaster RTE that UEFA must intervene, take action and find a clear solution.

Venue change to Serbia

The second-leg venue was already moved in June by the Irish association FAI from Dublin to Backa Topola in Serbia. The relocation came after calls for a boycott, which were made as a protest against Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.

Both fixtures, the first and second legs, were accompanied by heated political debates. The discussions reflected the tense situation in the Middle East and affected the atmosphere surrounding the matches.

Hallgrimsson had fueled the controversy with remarks made during the squad nomination. He thus revealed personal opinions that were later criticised.

After the second leg, he admitted that he had made the mistake of holding back personal feelings when speaking as a representative of an organization. “Today I think that I made a mistake back then,” he said.

He emphasized that no national team should have to endure similar pressures as the Irish side has experienced over the past two weeks. The team nevertheless presented itself professionally.

Hallgrimsson concluded by urging UEFA to promptly find a clear regulation so that future encounters between Ireland and Israel can be avoided. He pointed out that UEFA has already intervened in similar cases.