Israel announce that they hope to play Ireland in Israel

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The latest from the Nations League draw news.

Following the news of Ireland's UEFA Nations League draw, which pits them in a group with Israel, Austria and Kosovo, both Ireland and Israel have released statements.

Back in November, Ireland voted to propose a motion to UEFA to ban Israel from European competitions, due to their actions in the conflict in Gaza.

However, in a statement after the draw, the FAI confirmed that they will fulfil all their Nations League their fixtures.

The Israelis have been playing their football games in Hungary of late, but speaking on X, their FA have expressed their hope to play the Nations League games in Israel.

They wrote: "The road is set. The goal is clear.

"Our #NationsLeague journey in Group B3 will take us through Austria, Ireland, and Kosovo. While we prepare for the challenge on the pitch, our biggest hope is to bring the game back HOME. There is no feeling like playing in front of our fans in Israel."

The FAI statement reads: "The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirms that the Ireland Men’s National Team will fulfil their 2026 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after being drawn together in Group B3.

"In 2025, a motion was proposed by members of the FAI General Assembly to vote on issuing a formal request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes. Members then voted in favour to submit the motion to UEFA, which the Association did in November 2025.
"While consultation has taken place with UEFA officials, the Association does recognise that UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition."

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Israel announce that they hope to play Ireland in Israel

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The latest from the Nations League draw news.

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