Israel to file UEFA complaint against Ireland over coach's 'genocide' remarks

The Israel Football Association plans to file a formal complaint with UEFA against the Football Association of Ireland over Irish coach Heimir Hallgrimsson's remarks accusing Israel of "genocide" and over Irish players' protests during Israel's national anthem. The complaint also addresses treatment of Israeli journalists at press conferences.

The Israel Football Association (IFA) plans to file a formal complaint with UEFA against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), citing comments by Irish national team coach Heimir Hallgrimsson accusing Israel of "genocide," as well as protests by Irish players during Israel's national anthem, The Times reported on Monday. The complaint is also expected to address the treatment of Israeli journalists during press conferences before and after the two countries' Nations League matches, according to a separate N12 report. Hallgrimsson said ahead of the September fixtures: "We are not playing with genocide; we are playing against genocide. We are playing against Israel; we are not playing with Israel." Irish players bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem and did not participate in pre-match handshakes, N12 reported. A press conference was interrupted following heated exchanges involving Israeli journalists. The planned complaint comes as UEFA separately examines allegations of racist chants by Israeli supporters directed at Irish players during the matches. The IFA denied the allegations. The two Nations League matches, played in Hungary and Serbia in September and October, ended in a 3-0 win for Ireland and a 1-1 draw. N12 reported that any disciplinary action would not affect the results or lead to replays, but could result in fines or suspensions.