AN FAI MOTION to proceed with the upcoming Uefa Nations League fixtures against Israel has been passed at an extraordinary general meeting.

The motion passed by 75 votes to 32, having been voted on by 114 general assembly members in attendance (with three abstentions) at Aviva Stadium on Wednesday evening. 

The FAI thanked its general assembly members “for endorsing its responsibility to fulfil its obligations in relation to Uefa fixtures” in a statement published afterwards.

The motion read as follows: “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 outcome “provides the FAI Board with the support to continue making decisions in the interest of Irish football,” the statement continued.

It adds: “The Association 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 2026-27 Uefa 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.”

Heimir Halgrimsson’s side are due to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September for the ‘away’ tie, before the ‘home’ game in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October.

FAI sources have admitted a sense of relief at how the vote went, while there is an admission from those in League of Ireland circles that this is a significant victory for the FAI. 

The Association confirmed last month that the ‘home’ fixture would be held behind closed doors at a neutral venue, citing “operational challenges” and adding that “the decision to fulfil the fixture has been made in the interest of Irish football”.

There has been mounting pressure on the FAI to boycott the fixtures in protest over Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. A ‘Stop The Game’ campaign has gathered support in recent months, and the group released a statement reacting to the outcome of the vote.

“Tonight’s result is a disappointing indictment of the Football Association of Ireland and does not reflect the will of the Irish public or professional players,” it reads. “The Stop the Campaign remains resolute that Ireland will not play Israel in the Nations League Championship.

“We respect the secret ballot. However, serious questions remain about how this vote was brought forward, including the denial of an initial request for proper debate on the match, the failure to address the questions brought by co-proposers before requisitions were sent, the three week delay between receipt of requisitions and them being deemed ineligible, the wording of the motion and the misrepresentation of the PFAI’s position. We will be seeking clarity on those governance issues in the days ahead.

“The facts have not changed. 63% of professional players and 76% of the public support a boycott. The risks of refusing this fixture have been overstated. There is no automatic relegation, the financial penalties have been exaggerated, and an appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is available.

“Our solidarity with Palestinian people is unshaken. 568 Palestinian players have been killed while FIFA stayed silent. Players have been detained. Sports grounds have been bulldozed.

“This is a football-led, grassroots campaign and it continues. No player or worker should be pressured into taking part in this fixture. Trade union and legal protections are in place for anyone who refuses.”

- With reporting from David Sneyd

Written by Emma Duffy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.