Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has condemned remarks by the Israel Football Association regarding Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson, labeling them as “unacceptable” and calling for their retraction. The controversy arose after Hallgrímsson equated Ireland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel to “playing against genocide,” sparking a heated response from the Israeli football body, which accused him of “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy.”
Speaking during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Martin defended Hallgrímsson’s comments and pointed to the humanitarian issues in Gaza as a backdrop for the coach’s remarks. The Israeli association’s sharp criticism of Hallgrímsson has added fuel to an already contentious situation surrounding the matches.
The Republic of Ireland is set to face Israel in two matches during the UEFA Nations League. The first encounter will take place in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, followed by a return match in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4. Both games are scheduled at neutral venues, with the latter to be played behind closed doors.
The fixtures have stirred controversy within Ireland, with some sports figures advocating for a boycott. Despite these calls, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the matches will proceed, citing potential consequences of withdrawing from the competition.