Ireland have 'no choice' but to play Israel fixtures says soccer chief

DUBLIN, FEB 26: The Republic of Ireland has "no choice" but to fulfil its Nations League fixtures with Israel, the Football Association of Ireland said after confirming the games would go ahead as scheduled.

The FAI has been under pressure to boycott the two matches, including a home fixture in Dublin on October 4, with several pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures urging the federation to withdraw from the fixtures over Israel's conduct during the war in Gaza and the humanitarian situation in the conflict-ravaged territory.

Pro-Palestinian sentiment in Ireland is highly visible, with regular mass protests and cross-party political support for Gaza.

The Irish federation passed a motion last November requesting UEFA immediately suspend Israel from international competition, citing breaches of the European football governing body's statutes. 

"While our federation and our members have made our position clear in terms of Israel's involvement in international football, that has not been taken on board by UEFA," FAI chief executive David Courell told public broadcaster RTE Wednesday.    �"AFP