Ireland agrees to play Israel in Nations League despite previously calling for ban over Gaza war

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Just months after lobbying for the banishment of the Israeli national soccer from UEFA, Ireland has agreed to play Israel this fall in Nations League matches. 

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) just approved a motion calling for Israel to be banned from UEFA in November. 

The FAI joined the soccer federations of Norway and Turkey in calling for Israel's banishment, citing the country's war in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also made a similar plea. The motions were ultimately rejected. 

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Israeli fans wave flags as they cheer their team warming up before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group I match against Norway Oct. 11, 2025, in Oslo, Norway.   (Fredrik Varfjell/NTB/AFP)

The FAI has not released a statement addressing its willingness to play Israel after calling for the team's banishment in the fall. 

"In 2025, a motion was proposed by members of the FAI General Assembly to vote on issuing a formal request to the UEFA executive committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes," the FAI wrote.

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Conor Coventry Ireland in action against Oscar Gloukh of Israel during a UEFA European U21 Championship playoff second leg match at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel.  (Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

"Members then voted in favor to submit the motion to UEFA, which the association did in November