Uefa rejects FAI's request to separate Ireland and Israel in draws

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) reported that Uefa declined its request to separate the Republic of Ireland and Israel in future competition draws. The teams were drawn together for upcoming Nations League matches on September 27 and October 4. FAI chief executive David Courell stated that Uefa justified the rejection based on a lack of direct conflict between the two nations. The FAI has faced pressure to boycott the matches due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with a campaign started by Irish Sport for Palestine advocating for the games to be cancelled. Previous motions and public sentiment illustrated significant opposition among the Irish public regarding participation in these fixtures.

• 4:40 PMBBC Sport — Uefa rejected request to keep Republic of Ireland and Israel separate - FAI