UEFA has clarified its stance on team scheduling, emphasizing that decisions regarding the separation of national teams during competition draws are determined on a case-by-case basis. The governing body stated that its primary guidance for such rulings remains centered on security considerations and potential structural risks inherent in the relationship between specific nations.
This clarification follows comments from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell, who confirmed on Friday that his organization had formally requested to be kept apart from Israel in future draws. The two nations were paired together during the February Nations League draw and are scheduled to face each other in upcoming fixtures on September 27 and October 4.
According to Courell, UEFA rejected the FAI’s request on the grounds that Ireland and Israel had never been in direct conflict. In a statement released Saturday, UEFA officials affirmed, “UEFA handles every situation very carefully on its own merits and monitors all facts and developments,” while noting that they evaluate every such request individually.
The Israel Football Association (IFA) reacted to the disclosure by questioning the validity of the request. IFA head of communications Shlomi Barzel told Reuters, “The question should be directed at UEFA: was there an official inquiry or request regarding this matter, or is this merely another inconsequential statement?” Barzel added that the IFA remains focused on professional preparation for the matches rather than engaging with what they described as statements detached from reality.
The fixtures between the two teams have faced significant public and political pressure within Ireland due to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Last November, the FAI board was mandated by an overwhelming vote from its members to urge UEFA to suspend the Israeli governing body from European football. Furthermore, in May, various Irish public figures and footballers campaigned for a boycott of the Nations League match.
Security measures surrounding the upcoming games are stringent. Ireland’s home fixture on October 4 will be held behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, rather than in Dublin. Additionally, Irish supporters have been denied tickets for Israel’s designated home match, which is set to take place in Debrecen, Hungary, the weekend prior. The report also notes that “Decisions to avoid certain teams being drawn against each other are made taking into consideration several factors, especially conditions between the two countries leading to structural risks for security,” UEFA said.
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