Israel drawn against Ireland in European soccer after Dublin campaigned to have Israeli team ousted

Israel has been drawn with Ireland, along with Austria and Kosovo in the European Nations League soccer competition.

The draw that will see Israel play the Irish for the first time since 2005 comes after Dublin campaigned for Israel to be barred from European soccer over the war in Gaza.

In November, members of Irish soccer’s governing body voted overwhelmingly for its board to request that UEFA immediately suspend Israel from European competitions.

A resolution cited alleged violations by Israel’s Football Association of two provisions of UEFA statutes: its failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy and the playing by Israeli clubs in Palestinian territories without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.

UEFA considered holding a vote last year on whether to suspend Israel from European competitions over the war in Gaza. That did not happen after a US-brokered ceasefire took effect on October 10.

However, even as the Irish voted, they acknowledged that should they be drawn against Israel, they would play the games, given that “UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow — including potential disqualification from the competition.”

Ireland’s government is one of the most outspoken critics of Israel’s campaign against the Hamas terror group in Gaza. The country recently pulled out of the Eurovision song contest over Israel’s participation.

Israel has also accused the Irish government of rampant antisemitism and shut the country’s embassy there.