Tánaiste urges FAI to ‘bring clarity’ to Ireland vs Israel match venue row

The Tánaiste has urged the FAI to “bring clarity” over the prospect of Ireland’s controversial home fixture against Israel being moved to a neutral venue.

Simon Harris’s comments came as the Football Association of Ireland issued a statement on Monday saying its board was continuing to meet to “discuss the operational aspects” of hosting the men’s international Nations League football fixture, which is due to be played in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4th.

The FAI said it was also engaging with European football’s governing body Uefa on the issue and said a further statement would be issued after the board meets again on Thursday.

Amid the prospect of major protests around the game and mounting calls for a boycott of the match because of Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Middle East, there is speculation the FAI may seek to have the game played in a different European country.

Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats are tabling separate motions in the Dáil this week calling for the game to be called off.

In response to suggestions the fixture could be moved out of Ireland, both parties made clear on Monday evening that changing the venue was not enough, and the match should not be played at all.

Speaking on the Monday With Gavan Reilly programme on Virgin Media, the Tánaiste said the decision was neither a matter for the players or for government. He said the responsibility lay with the FAI.

“This is nothing to do with the players, and there should be no pressure applied to the players who play with distinction wearing our national jersey – let’s all agree on that,” he said.

“Secondly, though, it’s not a matter for the Government. And that’s not just my view, it’s a legal, factual view. The FAI board, as