FAI motion to proceed with Israel games passes at EGM

The FAI motion in favour of proceeding with the Nations League matches against Israel has passed following tonight's EGM in Dublin.

75 delegates voted in favour (68%), 32 were against and there were three abstentions.

The delegates present voted whether to endorse the FAI board's decision to fulfil the games which are scheduled to take place in the autumn.

The FAI board put forward the motion which was put to members, which stated: "While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men's Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development, and accordingly endorses the Association fulfilling its obligations in respect of those fixtures."

Heimir Hallgrimsson's team are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen in Hungary on 27 September for the 'away' tie, before the return 'home' fixture on 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia.

In a statement afterwards, the board of the FAI thanked members of its General Assembly for endorsing its responsibility to fulfil its obligations in relation to UEFA fixtures.

The statement read: "While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming UEFA Men's Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of UEFA fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development, and accordingly endorses the Association fulfilling its obligations in respect of those fixtures."

"The governing body wnt on to say that understands and respects the views expressed by its members, as well as players and staff, supporters, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to the Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel.

"The Association will continue to liaise with various stakeholders and support the Ireland squad for its upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign."

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