Ireland will host Israel at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday, October 4, with the return fixture’s destination still up in the air.
The FAI stated that it has not overlooked the ongoing "human catastrophe" in Gaza, intending to use the match as a chance to provide humanitarian support for Palestinians.
There have been multiple calls for Ireland to boycott the fixture, with Brian Kerr, Stephen Bradley, and Joey O’Brien among those speaking out against it.
However, the FAI said that the decision has "not been taken lightly" and that it understands their call will be "difficult" news for supporters.
In a letter to members, the Association stated: "After taking legal advice, engaging with key stakeholders and reflecting on our constitutional obligations, we have decided that the Football Association of Ireland will fulfil both fixtures and will host the home match at the Aviva Stadium as scheduled.
"We understand that this decision will be difficult for many members and supporters. It has not been taken lightly. As a member association of UEFA, we are bound by its regulations.
"Our Constitution requires us to adhere to UEFA’s rules, including the obligation to fulfil scheduled international fixtures and to avoid actions that would constitute undue political interference."
In November, an EGM voted 93% in favour of submitting a motion to UEFA calling for Israel to be banned from European club and international competitions.
The FAI then wrote to European football’s governing body, but the submission was knocked back.
The Association continued: "We have made our views known directly to UEFA, including following the motion overwhelmingly approved by members at last November’s Extraordinary General Meeting, and we have continued to raise those concerns over a sustained period. However, having been drawn to play these fixtures, we are required to do so.
"From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences. It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would damage our seeding for EURO 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking. Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.
"Our decision is not financially motivated. However, there would also be significant financial and regulatory consequences were we to refuse to fulfil the fixtures. The Board cannot act in a manner that would place the Association or its directors in breach of their legal duties or expose the FAI to severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions."
While there were rumours of safety concerns regarding hosting the match in Dublin, the FAI has confirmed that it can be staged safely after consulting with the Government, An Garda Síochána, and other key stakeholders in recent days.
*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.
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