Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has requested that UEFA avoid pairing Ireland and Israel in future competitions following a tense Nations League series.
Key facts
- •The second match between Ireland and Israel ended in a 1-1 draw on October 4, 2026.
- •Ireland's home game was moved to a neutral venue in Serbia and played behind closed doors.
- •Irish captain Caoimhín Kelleher declined to shake hands with Israel captain Dor Peretz before the match.
- •Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson cited mental and physical fatigue for both teams during the series.
- •The FAI had previously called on UEFA to ban Israel from international competitions in November 2025.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has called on UEFA to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future competitions following a challenging Nations League double-header. The second match, which ended in a 1-1 draw on Sunday, October 4, 2026, was played behind closed doors at a neutral venue in Serbia. The series was marked by significant political tension, player protests, and logistical challenges for the Irish squad.
By the numbers
Tensions During Nations League Matches
The matches were held amidst significant controversy regarding Israel's actions in Gaza. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) moved the home leg to Serbia to be played without fans following calls for a boycott. During the second match, Irish players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem, while Israeli players also wore armbands to honor victims of the October 7, 2023, attacks. Ireland's captain for the match, Caoimhín Kelleher, declined to shake hands with Israel captain Dor Peretz, mirroring an action taken by Dara O’Shea in the previous game.
Managerial Reaction and Future Outlook
Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson described the recent international window as a "tricky camp" and a "fiasco," citing the mental and physical fatigue caused by the circumstances surrounding the games. Following the 1-1 draw, in which Troy Parrott scored for Ireland and Dor Peretz equalized for Israel, Hallgrímsson expressed relief that the fixtures were concluded. He stated that he intends to reflect on the events and that the FAI will evaluate how their systems were tested by the experience.
Timeline
- November 2025The FAI submitted a motion calling on UEFA to ban Israel from competitions.
- June 2026The FAI moved the home match against Israel to a neutral venue.
- October 4, 2026Ireland and Israel played a 1-1 draw in Serbia.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hindu Sport, RTE Sport.
