FAI president says full sanctions for refusing Israel fixtures were unclear

Football Association of Ireland president Paul Cooke has said the organisation could not specify all the sanctions it might have faced for refusing to play Israel in the Nations League. According to BBC Sport, Cooke said competition rules set out penalties for unfulfilled fixtures but also leave scope for additional punishments that were not determined in advance.

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Speaking to RTE Sport after Ireland's 3-0 victory in Hungary on Sunday, Cooke denied that Uefa had threatened extra sanctions if either of the teams' two fixtures went unplayed. He said the governing body's response would depend on the penalties it decided to impose. His comments distinguished possible consequences under the rules from any specific additional threat by Uefa.

The match went ahead after a period of uncertainty within the Irish squad. BBC Sport reported that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew in protest and other players expressed concerns about taking part, prompting discussions at the team hotel. The FAI subsequently said a vote among the players produced a significant majority in favour of playing the fixture.

Calls for Ireland to withdraw have accompanied the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Irish Sport for Palestine organised the Stop The Game campaign, while the fixtures have been controversial since the teams were drawn together in February. Before Sunday's match, the players did not shake hands, Ireland's squad lowered their heads during Israel's anthem and the captains did not exchange pennants.

Cooke defended the FAI's handling of the build-up and praised manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and the players after the win. He said the association had consistently intended to fulfil the fixtures, with that position mandated through its members and board. Ireland and Israel are due to meet again on 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia, with both matches being held at neutral venues.

The FAI president also addressed the association's letter last November proposing Israel's removal from international and club competitions. Cooke said Uefa had replied that it would consider the proposal and was still doing so. He added that he had spoken with Austria and Kosovo, the other countries in the group, and that both had reaffirmed their intention to play their games.