FAI Motion to Proceed with Israel Fixtures Passes at EGM

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) held an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Wednesday at the Aviva Stadium, where members voted 75 to 32, with three abstentions, to endorse the Republic of Ireland's upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel.

The motion acknowledged the strong feelings regarding Palestine but stated that failing to fulfil the UEFA fixtures would cause significant harm to Irish football and its development. It affirmed the FAI's commitment to meeting its obligations.

The EGM was triggered after more than 10% of FAI members opposed playing the matches, though the vote is non-binding on the FAI board. In a statement, the FAI said the outcome provides the board with support to continue making decisions in the interest of Irish football.

The FAI had previously warned that a boycott could cause "significant and lasting harm" and a potential loss of €10.3 million (£9 million). Protesters gathered outside the Aviva during the meeting, while the group Irish Sport for Palestine has launched a 'Stop the Game' campaign.

Both matches against Israel will be played at neutral venues: Israel's home game on 27 October in Debrecen, Hungary, and Ireland's home game on 4 October behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The FAI requested the move from Dublin due to "operational issues".