# Ireland vs Israel match sparks sanctions debate

> Ireland avoids sanctions after playing Israel despite tensions.
- Title: Ireland vs Israel match sparks sanctions debate · BBC Sport
- Summary: Ireland avoids sanctions after playing Israel despite tensions. Republic of Ireland played Israel in Nations League match after players voted to compete…
- Keywords: republic of ireland, israel, nations league, uefa, israel-gaza war, stop the game, sports, Ireland, match, sparks, sanctions, debate
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqx2z9p30rlxo
- Published: 2026-09-28T09:37:09.195+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: republic of ireland, israel, nations league, fa, uefa, israel-gaza war, stop the game, sports
## Sanctions threat
Republic of Ireland could face undetermined sanctions if they didn't play Israel in Nations League match.
## Players' actions
Players didn't shake hands and bowed heads during Israel's anthem before 3-0 win in Hungary.
## Controversy starts
Israel-Gaza war sparked calls for Ireland to withdraw from Nations League games.
## Player vote
Players voted to play after goalkeeper withdrew in protest.
## Uefa response
Uefa said they'd consider expelling Israel from competitions after FAI letter.
## Next match
Second match will be played in Backa Topola, Serbia on October 4.
## Key takeaway

Republic of Ireland played Israel in Nations League match after players voted to compete despite protests over Israel-Gaza war.