Israel‑Ireland controversy: the coach talks about genocide

The comment by Irish manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, who said that Ireland “plays against genocide” when facing Israel, sparked a heated controversy, putting the government and the Irish Football Association under fire as the two Nations League fixtures approach.

Manager’s statements and schedule

Heimir Hallgrímsson, Irish coach, expressed his discomfort by describing the match against Israel as “genocide”. He reminded that Ireland will face Israel twice, on neutral venues: on September 27 in Debrecen, Hungary, and on October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia. This competition, the Nations League, is sometimes referred to in English as the League.

The Israeli Football Federation responded on Monday, labeling Hallgrímsson’s remarks as “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy”. The AFP news agency relayed these accusations. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin denounced the accusations as unacceptable and demanded their withdrawal.

Political and organisational reactions

Martin, speaking to journalists at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, recalled that the manager’s remarks reflected concerns over the deaths and destruction in Gaza. He added: “Israel cannot continue to deny what the world knows.” The newspaper Sports widely reported the Prime Minister’s statement.

Ireland set Friday meeting to confront Israel game amid boycott

In Ireland, more than 160 athletes have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the two fixtures, and protesters gathered outside the national team’s hotel in Dublin. Further demonstrations are planned across the country as the matches approach.

The Irish Football Association (FAI) had adopted in November 2025 a motion requesting UEFA to suspend Israel, but it received no support from European bodies. The FAI emphasized that it had little leeway and had to play under threat of sporting and financial sanctions. The debate recalls previous controversies, such as the comment on Van Bommel.

The match originally scheduled as Israel’s home game on September 27 will be played in Debrecen, while the “home” match for Ireland on October 4 has been moved to Backa Topola, Serbia, for security reasons.