According to The Athletic, after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requested that UEFA separate Ireland and Israel in future competition draws, UEFA responded by reiterating its draw policy, stating that whether two national teams should be kept apart depends on specific circumstances and security risks.

FAI CEO David Courell said on Friday that the FAI has requested UEFA to separate Ireland and Israel in future draws. Both teams were drawn into Group B3 of the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 and will face each other twice during the upcoming international breaks. UEFA's official schedule shows both matches are scheduled for 27 September and 4 October.

Courell stated that UEFA informed them the request could not be granted, citing the reason that "there has never been a direct conflict between the two countries." He said the decision was based on this criterion, not "public sentiment."

In response, UEFA told The Athletic: "UEFA handles each situation on a case-by-case basis and continues to monitor all facts and developments."

A UEFA spokesperson further explained: "When deciding whether to keep certain teams apart in the draw, we consider various factors, particularly whether the situation between the two countries poses structural security risks." Related reports also show that UEFA emphasized such decisions are handled on a case-by-case basis and are primarily based on security factors.

Ireland and Israel are both in UEFA Nations League Group B3, and their matches have sparked sports and political discussion in Ireland. Ireland's home match, originally scheduled for 4 October, has been moved to a neutral venue in Serbia and will be played behind closed doors. Under UEFA Nations League regulations, if security or other issues arise with a match, UEFA has the right to change the venue, stadium, date, or kick-off time.

The Israel Football Association responded that questions about whether a formal request was made should be directed to UEFA, and stated that their current focus is on professional preparation and achieving their goals on the pitch.

Due to security concerns, Israel has not hosted a UEFA competition at home since October 2023. Israel's nominal home match against Ireland will be played in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September. UEFA's latest official schedule lists both matches: Israel vs. Ireland on 27 September and Ireland vs. Israel on 4 October.

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