The FAI have released the text of the motion that will be voted on by members of its General Assembly next week. An Emergency General Meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday July 8, amid widespread protests over the upcoming Nations League games against Israel . Ireland ’s home game on October 4 has been moved from the Aviva Stadium to Bačka Topola in Serbia, where the match will take place behind closed doors at the TSC Arena. The announcement of that switch has led to
renewed protests from politicians and supporters who have demanded that Heimir Hallgrímsson ’s side boycott the games. Members of the FAI ’s General Assembly will be asked to vote next Wednesday on the following motion: “While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men’s Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development, and accordingly endorses the Association fulfilling
its obligations in respect of those fixtures.” The statement issued by the FAI on Thursday evening outlining the motion also included a bullet-point list of potential sanctions, should the games be boycotted. These were quickly described by some within the General Assembly as “scaremongering” and “hypothetical”. They included: A unilateral refusal for the Ireland Men’s National Team to fulfil its UEFA Nations League fixtures would result in UEFA disciplinary processes (automatic forfeiture of six points, loss of income and even extending to potential disqualification from
the competition) The impact of the non-fulfilment of the fixtures would stretch beyond two matches (potential relegation to League C in the UEFA Nations League and affect future qualification to UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups) Irish football would incur a significant financial impact (with the minimum impact estimated at €5.5 million) which would lead to reduced investment across Grassroots participation, facilities, player development and support services to every level of the game A precedent being set for the future, whereby all Ireland teams
(men & women, senior & underage, plus affiliates) would feel the impacts should they also be drawn against Israel The FAI Board is bound by the FAI Constitution to adhere to UEFA / FIFA regulations and any non-fulfilment of fixtures would raise constitutional, governance and fiduciary conflicts The Association will continue to represent its members’ views, as it has done by bringing forward a motion from its members to the UEFA Executive Committee calling for the suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions.
The statement concluded: “The Association is committed to representing members’ views through appropriate UEFA channels, engaging directly with UEFA regarding Israel’s participation and exploring appropriate support for civilians affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.” Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond .
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