Israel to file UEFA complaint against Ireland over coach's 'genocide' remarks
The complaint was also expected to address the treatment of Israeli journalists during press conferences before and after the two countries' Nations League matches.
The Israel Football Association (IFA) intends to lodge a formal grievance with UEFA over remarks made by Ireland's national team coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson. Hallgrimsson accused Israel of committing genocide during the buildup to the two countries' Nations League matches, which took place in Hungary and Serbia last year. In addition to the genocide comments, Irish players engaged in protests during the playing of Israel's national anthem, and failed to participate in pre-match handshakes, according to The Times and N12.
Hallgrimsson reportedly stated, "We are not playing with genocide; we are playing against genocide. We are playing against Israel; we are not playing with Israel." The complaint also encompasses the treatment of Israeli journalists during pre- and post-match press conferences. UEFA is concurrently investigating allegations of racist chants by Israeli supporters towards Irish players during the matches.
The IFA has denied these allegations. The two Nations League matches culminated in a 3-0 victory for Ireland and a 1-1 draw. Disciplinary action resulting from the complaint, if taken, would not overturn the match results or compel replay, but could result in fines or suspensions.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
