Palestine FA rejects approval for Ireland vs Israel Nations League game in 2026

Palestine's football body states it does not support the Republic of Ireland's Nations League match against Israel being moved to a neutral venue in 2026.

Match relocation confirmed The Football Association of Ireland announced on Friday that the Republic of Ireland's Nations League game with Israel would be played at a neutral location instead of Dublin's Aviva Stadium on 4 October. European football's governing body, Uefa, had approved the contest to proceed behind closed doors. Protests occurred outside Ireland's parliament building, the Dail, amid growing calls to boycott the fixture. Earlier in May, Ireland's friendly against Qatar was interrupted twice when tennis balls displaying the Palestine flag were thrown onto the pitch. ## Palestine FA response The Football Association of Ireland quoted the Palestine Football Association as saying it 'affirms its respect for the decision' to relocate the match. The PFA stated, 'The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes.' It added that it respects the FAI's move within its sporting obligations. However, the PFA later clarified that it 'wished to clarify' it had not issued any statement 'endorsing, approving or supporting the decision to proceed with the match'. ## FAI stance on fixtures Despite calls to cancel the games, the FAI confirmed it would fulfill the fixtures because withdrawing would have 'a profound impact on the whole of Irish football.' The association warned that skipping the matches would result in the forfeiture of six points, potentially leading to relegation from Nations League League B to League C. It also noted this could affect Ireland's Uefa and Fifa rankings, while Israel would benefit from the points gained. The FAI highlighted that Israel could see improved chances for Nations League promotion and Euro 2028 qualification. ## PFA clarifies non-endorsement In a Thursday statement, the Palestine FA reiterated its long-standing principle of respecting each association's right to make independent decisions. It emphasized that this respect does not equate to endorsement of the game being played. The PFA added, 'Our position regarding Israeli football remains unchanged and unequivocal.' It stated that while it respects other associations' choices, such respect should not be misinterpreted as approval of any specific decision. ## Conflict context and PFA demands On 7 October 2023, a Hamas-led attack on Israel resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions to Gaza. Since then, more than 70,600 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza according to Hamas-run health authorities, with over 1,000 Palestinians reported killed in the West Bank. The PFA said it 'continues to pursue accountability through Fifa and other international sporting bodies for Israel's persistent violations of Fifa statutes.' It cited the killing of athletes, destruction of sporting infrastructure, and the 'devastating impact of Israel's war on all aspects of Palestinian life.' ## PFA rejects normalization The Palestine FA stated it 'rejects any characterisation that could be interpreted as providing political or moral cover for Israel's continued participation in international football while these grave violations persist.' It added, 'The PFA would not, and will not, be party to any effort that normalises these realities or contributes to the sportswashing of crimes committed against the Palestinian people.' The association also confirmed it would continue seeking accountability for what it describes as ongoing violations. ## Upcoming fixtures schedule Israel and the Republic of Ireland are set to meet at a neutral venue for Israel's home Group B3 match on 27 September. The Football Association of Ireland has not responded to requests for comment regarding the upcoming fixtures.