The Republic of Ireland’s autumn dates with Israel remain on the calendar. Nobody at the Football Association of Ireland sounds remotely happy about it – least of all the man now carrying the can.
FAI Director of Football John Martin has doubled down on his stance that he would rather the Nations League double header did not go ahead, but accepts that the association has committed to playing and that the consequences of a boycott could be devastating for the game here.
Ireland are due to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September, with the ‘home’ leg in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October. Both games will be played in front of Israeli supporters only, with the FAI already confirming that no tickets will be made available to Ireland fans and that the designated home fixture will be behind closed doors.
The political and moral pressure to walk away has not eased. It has landed, predictably, at the feet of the players. Martin insists that is exactly where it should not be.
“It’s really hard on the players because I think someone said, ‘oh, it’s falling on the players’. It always falls on the players in a performance environment,” he told RTÉ Sport.
“In this situation, the decision shouldn’t fall on the players because it’s not at the player’s decision. It was a decision made by the association, by the board and by the executive.
“People like me and David Courell made this decision, not the players.”
The message is clear: if there is anger, direct it upstairs.
“We need to protect the players and look after the players because we shouldn’t find a situation where they’re being criticised,” Martin said. “People can criticise me and David, that’s fine, and people are getting heavily criticised over it. It’s a deeply uncomfortable situation for us to be.”
Uncomfortable, but chosen.
In July, an extraordinary general meeting of the FAI backed the board’s decision to fulfil the fixtures. Delegates voted by 68% to 32% to proceed with the Nations League games against Israel, a margin that gave the board political cover but did nothing to soften the ethical debate raging around Irish football.
Martin makes no attempt to pretend these are normal fixtures.
“We all agree, and the association has been on the record to say that we don’t want to be playing these games. That is the reality. I don’t want to play the games,” he said.
The line he will not cross is the call for a boycott.
“For that to impact Irish football, that’s where I would maybe disagree with some of the voices, say we shouldn’t play the game.
“I agree with a vast majority of what people are saying about the situation. The aspect of not playing the game is where we have a difference of opinion.
“I think it’s for Irish football we will play the game.”
The shadow in the background is UEFA. The FAI fears sporting and financial sanctions if it refuses to play, and Martin’s comments underline that the association believes the price could be long-term damage to the domestic game and to future international campaigns.
Inside the dressing room, the stakes feel different. For players, it is not about points or prize money but conscience, reputation and safety.
Martin stressed that every member of Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad will be given the right to opt out.
“It’s a personal choice for the player,” he said. “We have a fantastic manager in person in Heimir who will manage that. But at all stages, we need to mind the player, but you always need to mind the player.
“You should never forget the player. We’re always mindful of the environment the player is in and we need to protect them as best as possible.
“It’s going to be really difficult because it does fall on them naturally because they’re on the pitch.
“But I would hope people can see that they’re following the lead of the association and following the decision that the association took, as opposed to putting them at the centre.”
So the FAI will play on, seeking to walk a tightrope: fulfilling UEFA obligations while trying to shield those in green shirts from the political crossfire that will accompany every kick.
Separate storm over Shamrock Rovers investigation
As the Israel fixtures swirl around him, Martin also finds his past life at Shamrock Rovers under the microscope.
The Sunday Times has reported that the FAI is investigating alleged third‑party ownership breaches involving Rovers players Michael Noonan and Alex Noonan. Martin was CEO at Tallaght Stadium when the agreements in question were made.
Now he sits on the other side of the fence, employed by the FAI, which is examining the case. That overlap has raised obvious questions about conflict of interest and whether he should step aside during the investigation. Martin says that has not happened.
He is not part of the FAI team conducting the probe, which will determine whether any FIFA rules were broken. He insists there has been no move to temporarily remove him from his role.
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked if there had been a request to stand down.
The case has been building quietly in the background. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Michael Noonan’s mother lodged a complaint with the English FA regarding agent agreements. Shamrock Rovers responded by announcing they were working with FIFA to review two agreements, while stressing the club itself was not the focus.
The matter has since been referred back to the FAI, which is now seeking documentation to establish the facts.
Martin maintains he is entirely at ease with his record at Rovers.
“I’m very comfortable about my time from Shamrock Rovers, exceptionally comfortable,” he said. “I can’t comment. I’ll leave that to other people to figure that out. It’s not something I’m worried about.”
His public stance is one of restraint.
“It is frustrating because there’s things that I’d like to be able to go into more detail on,” he admitted. “I’ve been incredibly dignified, professional and respectful of the club. I intend to continue being dignified, professional and respectful towards the law because I think someone in my role needs that.
“I don’t think Irish football needs people to be talking public negatively about each other because that damages the perception of the game. I’m a naturally positive person. I’ve only good things to say about the club. It’s a situation I can’t talk about. But I’m in no way worried about it.”
So Martin stands at the centre of two sensitive battles: one about where and against whom Ireland should play, the other about how the game has been run at home.
The Nations League fixtures will arrive soon enough. When they do, the spotlight will fall on the players in green. Martin has made his position plain: they will be following orders. The judgement, he believes, should land on the people who gave them.
