Blame me for Ireland v Israel games, not players

FAI Director of Football John Martin has spoken of the need to 'protect' Republic of Ireland players if they take part in the autumn UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, as he reiterated his stance that he'd prefer if the games did not have to be played.

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 July an FAI motion in favour of proceeding with the Nations League double header against Israel was backed at an extraordinary general meeting. The delegates voted whether to endorse the FAI board's decision to fulfil the games, with the vote passing by 68% to 32%.

Last month the FAI confirmed that there will be no tickets sold to Ireland supporters for the games with Ireland’s ‘home’ game being played behind closed door and only Israeli fans present for the September game.

Pressure remains on both the FAI and on players to boycott the two games and, speaking to RTÉ Sport, Martin shouldered the responsibility for the fulfilment of the two games, insisting that the players aren’t to blame.

He said: "It's really hard on the players because I think someone said, ‘oh, it's falling on the players’. It always falls on the players in a performance environment.

"In this situation, the decision shouldn't fall on the players because it's not at the player's decision. It was a decision made by the association, by the board and by the executive.

"People like me and [FAI CEO] David Courell, made this decision, not the players.

"We need to protect the players and look after the players because we shouldn't find a situation where they’re being criticised.

"People can criticise me and David, that’s fine, and people are getting heavily criticised over it. It's a deeply uncomfortable situation for us to be.

Martin reiterated that he has little enthusiasm to see the games played, but fears that potential punishments from UEFA for not doing so would be hugely damaging to Irish soccer.

"We all agree, and the association has been on the record to say that we don't want to be playing these games. That is the reality. I don't want to play the games, but for that to impact Irish football, that's where I would maybe disagree with some of the voices, say we shouldn't play the game.

"I agree with a vast majority of what people are saying about the situation. The aspect of not playing the game is where we have a difference of opinion.

"I think it's for Irish football we will play the game."

Martin also added that players will have the choice on whether to make themselves available for the two games and insisted that the FAI will seek to assist players in whatever decision they make.

"It's a personal choice for the player," he said. "We have a fantastic manager in person in Heimir who will manage that. But at all stages, we need to mind the player, but you always need to mind the player.

"You should never forget the player. We’re always mindful of the environment the player is in and we need to protect them as best as possible.

"It going to be really difficult because it does fall on them naturally because they're on the pitch.

"But I would hope people can see that they're following the lead of the association and following the decision that the association took, as opposed to putting them at the centre."

Elsewhere The Sunday Times reported that the FAI are investigating alleged third-party ownership breaches involving Shamrock Rovers players Michael Noonan and Alex Noonan.

Martin was Rovers CEO during the time that the agreements were made.

Now employed by the FAI, who are looking into the matter, he has denied any notion of being asked to step aside from his position while the investigation is ongoing, owing to a potential conflict of interest.

Martin is not part of the FAI team investigating the matter. The investigation will establish if any FIFA rules were breached.

It was confirmed earlier this year that a complaint was made by the mother of Michael Noonan to the English FA regarding agent agreements.

Rovers then announced that they are working with FIFA to review two agreements and also denied the club was the focus.

The case has been referred back to the FAI, with the Irish governing body seeking documents to help establish facts.

Martin has previously stated he is happy with his tenure at Tallaght Stadium and is keen to see the review process completed.

He added today: "I'm very comfortable about my time from Shamrock Rovers, exceptionally comfortable.

"I can't comment. I'll leave that to other people to figure that out. It's not something I'm worried about."

Asked about if there was a request to stand down temporarily, he stated: "Absolutely not. It is frustrating because there's things that I'd like to be able to go into more detail on.

"I've been incredibly dignified, professional and respectful of the club. I intend to continue being dignified, professional and respectful towards the law because I think someone in my role needs that.

"I don't think Irish football needs people to be talking public negatively about each other because that damages the perception of the game. I'm a naturally positive person. I've only good things to say about the club. It's a situation I can't talk about. But I'm in no way worried about it."

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