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

Shino Zoertz, the chairman of the Israel Football Association, is contemplating filing a complaint with UEFA against the Republic of Ireland and its coach following controversial statements made by the coach. Zoertz, who departed with the Israeli national team for upcoming Nations League qualifiers, will decide whether to proceed with the complaint after considering the severity of the remarks, which are not the first of their kind.

One consideration is whether to file the complaint immediately or postpone it until after the match against Austria to maintain focus on the game. However, players expect Zoertz to strongly condemn the Irish coach's comments. "It cannot be that someone will say genocide about us and we will not respond to him," stated sources within the association remaining in Israel.

The pre-match delegation meeting is reportedly in doubt due to these tensions. Previously, despite harsh words from the Norwegian Football Association chairwoman against Israel, Zoertz met with her separately. This time, however, the Irish statements are considered 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 those playing in the US except for Sayed Abu Farchi, will arrive after the holiday.