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This week
4th October 2026 - 10th October 2026
Reaction
'I felt that was kind of the intention to try to intimidate us and make us do something stupid'
On The Journaluefa nations league
Spitting allegation made against Israeli player added to list of controversies with Ireland
uefa nations league
Spitting allegation made against Israeli player added to list of controversies with Ireland
This international window comes to an end with a 1-1 draw in Serbia.
Last week
27th September 2026 - 10th October 2026
uefa nations league
Long day of rancour and accusation adds layer of distaste to justifying Ireland-Israel games
Republic of Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson reflects on trying to do the right thing when it feels like others have relished in doing anything but.
uefa nations league
Uefa delegate absent from press conference as Israeli accusations force chaotic scenes
Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson retains composure as he also explains Dara O’Shea may not be available after returning for birth of child.
uefa nations league
Austria draw a reminder of the mild inconveniences Ireland manager must relish
Heimir Hallgrímsson won’t have much time to reflect on events in Dublin as Israel brings a renewed focus.
Match Report
Troy Parrott lights up Aviva Stadium but Ireland are pegged back by Austria in second half
Striker scored a fine brace to put hosts in command before late collapse in a 2-2 draw.
Preview
The two sides of the FAI share stage on another jarring day
Heimir Hallgrímsson reveals he has spoken to a psychologist this week while association top brass face Oireachtas committee.
looking ahead
Ireland boss says Finn Azaz is someone 'I admire most in the world at this moment'
Heimir Hallgrímsson praises midfielder as boss insists second Israel game will take place on Sunday.
uefa nations league
'It's definitely been testing, psychologically, 100%' - Ireland boss opens up on Israel fallout
Players given time off to spend with loved ones before returning to camp to finish this Nations League window.
paul cooke
'I think we've handled the week quite well' - FAI president
Paul Cooke criticises journalists for how they reported on a turbulent week for Irish football.
On The JournalNations League
Ireland-Israel game takes another cruel twist with racism allegation that cannot be investigated
Jayson Molumby informed the referee of chants from Israeli fans aimed at Adam Idah.
Nations League
Ireland-Israel game takes another cruel twist with racism allegation that cannot be investigated
Jayson Molumby informed the referee of chants from Israeli fans aimed at Adam Idah.
Must Readinside story
A day like no other in Irish football: Chaos, pain, apologies and TWO rounds of player voting to play Israel
Gavin Bazunu stands firm as Ireland squad searches for a united front.
Last month
September 2026
Update
Gavin Bazunu was not one of 30 Ireland players contacted by FAI about thoughts on playing Israel
Process of how association reached this point thrown into disarray after Ireland goalkeeper took stance not to be involved in Sunday’s fixture.
Nations League
Ireland confirm they WILL play Israel after chaotic morning of discussions
FAI chief executive David Courell told press conference ‘significant majority’ of squad voted to proceed.
Drama
FAI blindside Uefa by delaying press conference to afternoon start time ahead of Israel game
The Ireland players met on Friday to work on releasing a statement laying out their stance.
Tense
Anger grows as Ireland players find voice, but Israel game set to go ahead
Squad held a meeting on Friday with a statement due before Saturday morning’s pre-match press conference.
Soccer
'I don’t think the game should be going ahead' - Jason Knight takes stance on playing Israel
Ireland midfielder says squad will have deeper chat among themselves on Friday.
Report
Ireland feel late pain in Pristina as Kosovo earn Nations League victory
Ireland struggled to contain home side and captain Vedat Muriqi found a way through in the 83rd minute.
Line-up
John Egan makes first Republic of Ireland start in three years against Kosovo
James Abankwah also gets the nod in defence for his competitive debut.
Preview
Ireland braced for a game that will be lost in time compared to historic moment in time
Captain Dara O’Shea says ‘the noise is there’ with views over a protest to be aired on Friday after Kosovo fixture.
Political Football
'We are protesting all day and all night' - School kids stage lunchtime show of solidarity in Kosovo
Build-up to Ireland’s Nations League Group B3 opener in Pristina has shown sport and politics cannot be separated.
build up
Ireland boss 'grateful' for Taoiseach's support over Israel with players set for talks on Friday
Stand-in captain Dara O’Shea insists squad will not ‘brush over’ debate as they keep focus on Kosovo game for now.
Soccer
Spectre of Israel follows Ireland ahead of Nations League opener in Kosovo
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says Israeli FA should withdraw its personal attack on manager Heimir Hallgrímsson as games continued to be overshadowed.
Say hello wave goodbye
Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley the leading candidate to take over at Hibernian
uefa nations league
This international window feels insignificant in football terms, but its legacy will live on
FAI say they are at odds with Uefa over game taking place, but their actions tell a different story.
Soccer
'We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide': Ireland boss on facing Israel
Meanwhile, Uefa statement on future draws appears to contradict assertion made by FAI chief executive David Courell.
On The JournalFootball
Controversy and protest for Republic of Ireland games like no other
Nations League fixtures with Israel dominate agenda for FAI over next two weeks, and beyond.
League of Ireland
Dawson Devoy inspires late Bohemians drama with 90th-minute winner against Drogheda
Captain strikes to keep Gypsies within three points of league leaders Shamrock Rovers with five games remaining.
uefa nations league
FAI CEO insists Uefa made no threats over potential sanctions for Israel boycott
David Courell also confirmed European governing body rejected request for countries to be kept apart in future draws.
THE BEAT
Jordi Cruyff's Ajax promise and Forest's tough love: How Rovers lost Michael Noonan for free
Tipped for a €1.5 million transfer early into his contract the talented striker will head to Premier League for nothing when deal expires.
build up
Israel dominates agenda for Ireland but tone of confusion and uncertainty has been set
Heimir Hallgrímsson admits he’s unclear on punishment for boycotting games and unsure if FAI asked about possible sanctions.
squad announcement
Ireland boss has spoken to each player about facing Israel: 'We have different opinions, different strength of opinions'
No place for injured captain Nathan Collins or veteran Seamus Coleman who is still without a club after leaving Everton.
