Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
195. Deputy Sinéad Gibney asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport whether his Department has any concerns around the planned Ireland versus Israel Nations League fixtures; the engagement his Department has had with the FAI on the fixtures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16799/26]
View answerIt is important to make clear that National 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.
In addition, neither the Government nor Sport Ireland, has a role in determining who can participate in international competitions organised by international sporting federations.
International sporting federations are responsible for determining the composition of their membership in line with their own internal rules. The international federations, in this case, UEFA, have a leadership role for their global games, and it is at this level that strategic decisions should be taken rather than by individual countries’ NGBs.
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 briefed Minister O'Donovan and me on this matter last week 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. The FAI has also advised that it has engaged with the Israeli Football Association, which has confirmed that it does not expect a significant number of Israeli fans to travel to Ireland for the fixture.
The FAI is completely within its rights to fulfil these UEFA fixtures and the I support its decision to do so 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 Government will not be calling for a boycott of the games.
On a wider note, I want to reiterate that Ireland supports ongoing efforts to implement the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict. All parties must adhere to their commitments in full, desist from any actions inconsistent with what has been agreed, and continue to negotiate in good faith to ensure full implementation.
Question No. 196 answered with Question No. 149.
