Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
146. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport if he welcomes the upcoming matches between the Irish football team and the Israel national football team, in light of Israel’s commission of the crime of genocide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16814/26]
View answerNational governing bodies of sport (NGBs), including the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), are independent, autonomous bodies responsible for the governance of their own sports, including the organisation of sporting fixtures, whether in domestic or international competitions. The Government and Sport Ireland have no role in determining or supporting the organisation of such fixtures.
The FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil these upcoming UEFA fixtures and I note its intention to fulfil both fixtures against Israel in September and October. I support the FAI decision in this regard in the context of its obligations as a member of UEFA and in enabling our athletes to compete at the highest level of International competition.
The FAI has decided to play the fixtures against Israel in the UEFA Nations League this Autumn, in accordance with its obligations as a member of UEFA, and having consulted with An Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders. The FAI has also briefed Minister O'Donovan and me on this matter and I understand that it will be engaging with the Norwegian Football Association to learn from its hosting of a match against Israel last year.
I understand that the FAI is also continue to engage with An Garda Síochána to ensure appropriate preparation for, and policing of, the home leg of the fixture.
