UEFA defends draw policy after Ireland request, Israel dismisses FAI comments

On September 19, 2026, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) asked UEFA to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel apart in future draws. UEFA rejected the request. FAI chief executive David Courell told Reuters that UEFA said the two countries have never been in direct conflict. The Israel Football Association (IFA) responded through communications director Shlomi Barzel, saying it was unaware of any official inquiry or request and calling the FAI statements detached from reality. The case stems from the 2026-25 Nations League draw, which paired the teams. Their two matches are set for September 27 and October 4, 2026. Ireland's home fixture will be played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, and Irish fans will not receive tickets for Israel's home match in Debrecen, Hungary. UEFA defends its case-by-case policy on draw separations, citing security factors. Based on years of covering European football, the real issue is not whether UEFA supports either side, but whether the FAI's request exists in UEFA's records. The answer will shape the credibility of all parties before the first ball is kicked.