Ireland Calls on UEFA to Prevent Future Matches Against Israel
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has urged UEFA to prevent future matches between Israel and Ireland following a tense geopolitical controversy surrounding their fixtures.
The controversy surrounding the matches between Israel and Ireland could lead to a practical step by the Football Association of Ireland. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has called on UEFA to consider preventing national teams from being drawn against each other in the future, an issue expected to be raised next week at the organization's annual congress in Berlin.
UEFA Drawing Policy
"I think UEFA needs to take this into account," the Ireland coach said. "This should not happen again, if only for the players' welfare. It raises awareness of things that are happening. If it changes anything, I think it's worth it."
FAI CEO David Courell previously revealed that UEFA rejected a request to separate the teams after the UEFA Nations League draw in February, arguing that Israel and Ireland "are not in direct conflict." However, Courell and FAI President Paul Cooke are now expected to attend the gathering of all 55 member associations in Berlin, where the issue will be brought up again.
"The focus of my players is entirely on finishing this and surviving this camp, and getting out of it in the best possible way," Hallgrimsson stated.
Tensions and Press Conferences
Currently, UEFA already prevents several matchups in draws based on geopolitical relations, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, Serbia and Kosovo, and Ukraine and Belarus. Hallgrimsson's remarks came after another turbulent press conference in Serbia, involving heated exchanges with journalists regarding political ideologies and on-pitch altercations.
Ireland is also set to repeat the protests seen before and after last week's 3-0 victory: players will wear black armbands, refuse to exchange pennants or shake hands with the Israeli players, and bow their heads during the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah".
