Palestine FA vows to resist 'sportswashing' after Ireland agree to host Israel behind closed doors

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has issued a forceful statement rejecting any suggestion that the Football Association of Ireland’s decision to host Israel behind closed doors amounts to political or moral cover for Israel’s continued presence in international football.

The FAI confirmed last week that its UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel in October will be moved away from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to a neutral venue, played without spectators. The decision followed widespread protests, including a disruption during Ireland’s friendly against Qatar in May when demonstrators threw tennis balls bearing the Palestinian flag onto the pitch. The Irish Sport For Palestine group had also launched a “Stop the Game” campaign ahead of that match.

In its statement, the PFA expressed “deep appreciation” for the support shown by Ireland but was unequivocal about the limits of that goodwill. “The PFA would not, and will not, be party to any effort that normalises these realities or contributes to the sportswashing of crimes committed against the Palestinian people,” the association said.

The PFA framed its position as part of a longer campaign for consistent enforcement of football’s own regulations. “Our struggle has always been directed toward ensuring that international football applies its own rules consistently and without exception,” it stated, adding that it would pursue accountability through “legitimate sporting and legal mechanisms” in line with FIFA regulations and the principles of the Olympic Charter.

The FAI, in explaining its own decision, cited “operational challenges” that it said could affect the safe delivery of the game on home soil. “The decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of UEFA,” the association said, also thanking An Garda Síochána for their advice throughout the process.

The PFA’s statement draws a clear line: while it does not oppose Ireland fulfilling the fixture, it insists the arrangement must not be read as a softening of its demand that FIFA and UEFA apply their rules to Israel without exception.