Heimir Hallgrimsson urges UEFA to stop Ireland-Israel ties

Heimir Hallgrimsson has called on UEFA to prevent further Ireland-Israel fixtures after a politically charged and exhausting international window. The Ireland manager said the governing body should act, arguing that his team’s experience over the past two weeks should not be repeated by another national side.

Ireland drew 1-1 with Israel behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on Sunday, after winning the first meeting 3-0 the previous week. The return match included tension around half-time and was played without supporters, leaving Hallgrimsson unhappy with the atmosphere and pace. Ireland’s players again wore black armbands and lowered their heads during Israel’s anthem, following the same gesture in the earlier game.

Hallgrimsson said the schedule and surrounding debate had placed significant mental and physical pressure on his squad. He also maintained that Ireland were the stronger team but failed to show it after the interval. Despite his frustration, the manager said the points collected left Ireland in contention to win the group, with two matches still to play next month. He described reaching that position before the final fixtures as a scenario he would have accepted at the start of the campaign.