Israeli Football Chief Considers UEFA Complaint Over Ireland Coach's Remarks

Shino Zoaretz, the chairman of the Football Association, is contemplating filing a complaint with UEFA against Ireland and its coach following "serious remarks" made by the Icelandic coach, which are not the first of their kind. Zoaretz, who departed with the Israeli national team for UEFA Nations League qualifiers on Sunday, faces a decision on whether to submit the complaint now or postpone it until after the match against Austria to maintain focus on the game. Sources within the association remaining in Israel emphasized the players' expectation that Zoaretz will strongly condemn the opposing coach's statements, stating, "It cannot be that someone will say genocide about us and we will not respond."

The pre-match delegation meeting, a customary event, is now uncertain due to these remarks. Previously, despite harsh comments from the Norwegian Football Association chairwoman directed at Israel, Zoaretz met with her separately in Debrecen. However, the current statements from the Irish side are described as significantly more extreme.

The Israeli team is scheduled to land in Vienna and proceed to Linz, where they will observe Yom Kippur. Seven players, including legionnaires from the United States, will arrive after the holiday, with the exception of Sayed Abu Farchi.