Photo via BBC Sport

Uefa rejected request to keep Republic of Ireland and Israel separate - FAI

European football's governing body has turned down an appeal by the Football Association of Ireland to prevent the Republic of Ireland from being paired with Israel in future tournament draws, according to FAI chief executive David Courell. UEFA explained that its separation policies apply strictly to nations engaged in direct armed conflict rather than general public opposition.

Following their Nations League grouping earlier this year, the teams will clash on 27 September and 4 October, though neither match will take place under normal home conditions. The Irish team's hosting duties were shifted away from Dublin's Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola in Serbia behind closed doors, while traveling Irish supporters will be barred from attending Israel's designated home fixture staged in Debrecen, Hungary.

An extraordinary general meeting in July saw FAI members vote to go ahead with the matches after assessing the severe harm a forfeit would inflict on the organization, despite intense pressure and boycott demands from the Irish Sport for Palestine group's 'Stop The Game' initiative. That protest movement has drawn backing from prominent football figures including James McClean and Brian Kerr, following an earlier incident where a Dublin friendly against Qatar was interrupted by tennis balls thrown onto the turf.