Israel FA responds to Ireland manager's genocide comments: "stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy"

The Israeli Football Association has responded to comments by Republic of Ireland manager Heimer Hallgrimsson. The organisation said his comments exemplify "stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy."

He made a comment at the squad announcement on September 18 about the upcoming Ireland games against Israel.

He acknowledged that some Irish players feel uncomfortable about playing the country, however, he commended their "team spirt," for going ahead with the matches.

When asked about the pressure the team face due to the controversy surrounding the fixture, Hallgrimsson explained his view on the games.

"I’ve said before, we’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel."

It has been reported that Israel FA may file an official complaint to UEFA about the Ireland manager's comments, the organisation also released a statement criticising him directly.

"We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We’re not playing with ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity, We’re playing against the coach who embodies them."

We have contributed to the world and humanity in countless fields, earning an impressive number of Nobel Prizes along the way. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a cure for stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy displayed by @IrelandFootball team coach. We’re not playing with…

— ISRAEL FA (@ISRAELFA) September 21, 2026

Since the fixtures were announced in the Nations League draw in February, there have been widespread calls for the cancellation of the fixtures, due to Israel's continued aggression in Gaza. Many prominent Irish figures have supported the 'Stop The Game' campaign.

The matches were moved to a neutral venue in June, following the backlash. The FAI said the games would go ahead so as not to risk disqualification.

Over 160 Irish high-level atheletes have signed an open letter to the men's national team on September 21 urging them not to play the game.

Organised by Irish Sport For Palestine, an extract from the letter calls for the players "to act collectively with conscience ... Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do."

The Ireland Palestine Soldiarity Campaign handed in a letter to the Department of Justice on September 15, they were "demanding that Ireland boycotts the Nations League fixtures against apartheid Israel."