Ireland's Actions Against Israel Set Dangerous Precedent in Football

The Republic of Ireland's national football team is set to play against Israel in a UEFA Nations League match, amidst a backdrop of planned protest gestures. These actions, including reports of refusing handshakes and wearing black armbands, are raising concerns about a dangerous precedent that could lead to Israel's exclusion from international football competitions.

UEFA's history suggests a tendency to penalize the party perceived as the source of a problem, as seen with Russia's expulsion following its invasion of Ukraine. This has led to fears that Israeli football could be heading towards a "slippery and dangerous slope" of isolation.

The Israeli concern is amplified by the case of Russia, which was banned from all international football activities by UEFA and FIFA after invading Ukraine in February 2022. Sweden, Czech Republic, and Poland also refused to play against Russia, leading to their permanent exclusion. Belarus also faced a four-year ban. These bans largely remain in effect, with Russian athletes often competing under a neutral flag and being pressured to condemn the war.

The Irish team has already broken UEFA's protocol by canceling press conferences and final training sessions without official reprimand. Notably, Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who previously played with Israel's Daniel Peretz, withdrew from the squad in protest of the war. There is apprehension about future draws, where Israel might be paired with teams like Scotland or Scandinavian nations that have expressed reluctance to play against them.

While the Israeli national team is accustomed to a hostile atmosphere, it has intensified since October 7. Israeli football has already faced consequences, with UEFA prohibiting international matches within Israel, and a return to home games seems unlikely. The Irish situation highlights how public and media pressure in Europe, even without official UEFA backing, could lead to increasing sporting isolation for Israel.

The Israeli Football Association is adopting a low profile, with coach Ran Ben Shimon stating he will shake the Irish coach's hand and the association emphasizing the need to separate football from politics. The article suggests that a victory on the field could be the best response, alongside efforts to explain Israel's perspective and highlight the absurdity of the situation, such as the fact that Irish player Finn Azaz is Jewish and has family ties to Israel. The stakes are higher than just three points, with hopes that the event passes without further discussion of Israel's potential exclusion from international football.