Scotland's women's team will play two World Cup qualifiers against Israel behind closed doors in Hungary as Uefa barred matches in Israel.
Midfielder Christy Grimshaw has confirmed the Scotland women's team has not considered boycotting their two World Cup qualifying fixtures against Israel. Both games will be played without spectators in Hungary after UEFA barred matches from taking place in Israel due to safety concerns. The Scottish FA stated the decision to use a neutral venue aligns with other teams in Group B4, adding that skipping the games would lead to forfeiture of points. When asked if the Scotland players had discussed skipping the matches, Grimshaw responded, "Honestly, no."
Grimshaw emphasized that players rely on governing bodies to handle such situations, noting they have been placed in a position where the Israel games must be played at a neutral site. She acknowledged the circumstances are not ideal but stressed that adapting and playing football is the players' role. "Ultimately, we have to let the people who are in charge of these situations decide," she said. "We, as players, have been put in a situation where it's the Israel game at a neutral venue and that's all we can do."
Grimshaw expressed understanding of the wider issues surrounding the fixtures, including the situations faced by Irish players. She described feeling conflicted as a human but noted the need to prioritize their role as footballers. "Is it the best circumstances surrounding it? Of course not, because we are aware of everything else that's going on and we feel for that as humans," she added. "However, right now we have to adapt to the situation and play football."
Grimshaw returned to the Scotland squad after a two-year absence due to a knee injury, and she emphasized her commitment to representing her country. When questioned about turning down the opportunity to play against Israel, she described herself as both a human and a footballer, stating she would never refuse a national team call. "But it's a long time I've been out and, when the national team calls, as a footballer I would never say no to my national team," she explained.
Grimshaw described the prospect of playing in an empty stadium in Budapest as "not ideal" but acknowledged the situation is beyond their control. She emphasized the team's focus on performing and adapting while fulfilling their role as footballers. "We'd love to be playing in Scotland, but we just have to play the role we've been given and that's to perform and adapt in the best way we can," she said. "We are footballers and have a job to do - and it's to get six points in these two games."
Scotland head into the double-header against Israel at the top of Group B4 on goal difference, with Belgium also in contention after facing Luxembourg. The matches against Israel are part of the World Cup qualifying campaign for the Scotland women's team. Scotland aim to secure six points from the two fixtures to strengthen their position in the group.