We should not be forced to face Israel, says FAI director John Martin

FAI director of football John Martin said on 14 September that the Republic of Ireland “shouldn’t be in the position where we have to play” Israel in the forthcoming UEFA Nations League, despite the first match set for 27 September in Hungary and a second in Serbia on 4 October, noting a cancellation would cost the association €5 million.

Martin explained that the decision to go ahead rests with the FAI board and chief executive David Courell, not with the players. He added there is “unease from everybody”, stressing that the executive and the board share responsibility for the choice.

Venue shuffle and UEFA shortlist

UEFA supplied a shortlist of neutral venues, all located in Serbia, and the FAI selected Backa Topola, 160 kilometres from Belgrade, for the 4 October match. The earlier game in Hungary on 27 September remains unchanged, meaning the League campaign will see Ireland travel to Hungary, Serbia and later host Austria at the Aviva Stadium.

Broadcast changes and media context

RTÉ plans to cut studio punditry and commentary for the Israel games, a move reflected in the website’s header that lists Close, GAA, Soccer, LOI, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Upgrade, Subscribe, Sign, sports, GAA, Rugby, Soccer, League of Ireland, Golf, Horse, Racing, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL, NBA, sections, TV, Listings, Quizzes, Live, Blogs, GAA, Fixtures, The Video, Review, Podcasts and more.

The FAI estimated that refusing the fixtures would cost the association €5 million, a figure that underlines the financial pressure. Advertising, More and Stories sections on the site also highlight the commercial stakes surrounding the matches.

Martin stressed that protecting players is paramount, saying “Everything we’re doing is with a view to trying to protect the players”. He noted that the players’ high profile attracts a natural spotlight, and the association must own the decision rather than leave it to the squad.

The Sunday Times reported an investigation into potential third‑party‑ownership breaches involving Shamrock Rovers forwards Alex Noonan and Michael Noonan. Alex has joined Ipswich Town, while Michael is set to sign for Nottingham Forest on a free transfer next July. The story was photographed by Ryan Byrne of INPHO, and the coverage appears alongside sections such as Horse, Boxing, Motorsport, Athletics, NFL, NBA, Soccer, LOI, Rugby, Golf, Racing, Upgrade, Subscribe and Sign.

With the fixtures looming, Martin reiterated that the board, supported by the executive, will proceed, hoping the broader sport community – from Football Family Weekly to Extra Dive analyses – understands the difficult position the association faces.