Photo via BBC Sport

FAI unclear over possible sanctions if game not played

Football Association of Ireland president Paul Cooke revealed that the national team could have faced unspecified extra penalties alongside standard regulations if they refused to contest their fixture against Israel. The game ultimately went ahead at a neutral location after squad members voted by a clear margin to play, despite mounting pressure to boycott over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

During the encounter, players refrained from traditional handshakes and bowed their heads during the opposing anthem before securing a three-goal victory.

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