FAI investigates alleged racist abuse of Idah during Israel match
The Football Association of Ireland is investigating whether forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israel supporters during Sunday's Nations League match, after Uefa said it could not open a formal probe since no clear complaint was raised during play.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is investigating whether forward Adam Idah was racially abused by some Israel supporters during Sunday's Uefa Nations League match, which the Republic of Ireland won 3-0.
According to BBC Sport, midfielder Jayson Molumby spoke to match officials during the game, asking them to listen out for what he believed was abusive chanting coming from a small group of Israel fans present. After the final whistle, officials told FAI staff they had not heard any racist chanting themselves.
When the FAI raised the matter with the Uefa match delegate, it was told that because no clear allegation of racism had been reported during the match itself, standard protocols were not followed and a formal Uefa investigation could not proceed. The FAI is now conducting its own inquiry, gathering high-quality footage and pitchside microphone audio to determine whether abuse was directed at Idah. A panel is being assembled to review the material, and if evidence is found, the FAI will file a complaint with Uefa requesting a further investigation.
Idah himself was unaware of any possible abuse during the match and is being supported by teammates and staff ahead of Ireland's remaining three fixtures in the current international break.
The match, held in Debrecen, Hungary, came amid widespread protests in Ireland against facing Israel, with the squad reportedly holding late discussions about whether to play at all. Around 300 Israel supporters attended, while no tickets were sold to Irish fans. Although technically a 'home' fixture for Ireland, it was moved to a remote part of Europe due to ongoing fan protests. The FAI had voted earlier this year to fulfil the fixtures against Israel, citing concerns about potential Uefa sanctions if it chose to boycott.
The two teams did not shake hands or exchange pennants before kick-off, and the Irish players bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, saying it would be wrong for him to participate in matches against Israel, though he has since returned for Thursday's game against Austria and will sit out the second Israel fixture.
