UEFA defends draw policy after FAI request to avoid Israel is rejected

UEFA has defended its policy on separating national teams in competition draws after the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requested that Ireland avoid being paired with Israel in future. According to The Irish Times, UEFA said such requests are assessed individually, with security considerations among the main factors.

FAI chief executive David Courell said the organisation had been told the request could not be granted because Ireland and Israel had never been in direct conflict. The Israel Football Association questioned whether a formal request had actually been made, with communications chief Shlomi Barzel dismissing Courell’s comments and saying the team remains focused on preparations.