FIFA proposes Israel versus Palestine match for opener of youth football tournament

FIFA have proposed that the inaugural game of a new under-15s football festival should be Israel against Palestine.

The new tournament will take place in the United States in September and is open to all 211 of FIFA’s member associations, including Russia and Belarus, which are currently banned from all FIFA competitions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

FIFA hope for the festival to get underway with a match between Israel and Palestine, which follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino's failed attempts to get representatives from the two federations to pose for a photo together at the organisation's annual congress on April 30.

As one of the 211 member associations, the Republic of Ireland will be invited to send a team to the tournament.

The Association are currently facing backlash for their decision to play Ireland’s Nations League fixture against Israel overseas and behind closed doors.

“We are going to ignore apartheid, but we are going to adhere to the rules of this competition. It’s total nonsense. It’s a ludicrous position to take,” Kneecap manager and Stop The Game campaigner Dan Lambert told Hot Press.

A Sunday Independent poll revealed 50% of respondents said the game should not go ahead, while 21% said the fixture should commence as normal in Dublin, 13% preferred the game to be played at the Aviva but behind closed doors and 12% believed the match should proceed but be moved to a neutral location.

The FAI, Irish Sport for Palestine and Minister for Sport Patrick O’Donovan have been approached for comment in relation to Ireland’s involvement in the tournament.