FAI president warns Republic of Ireland squad faces sanctions if Nations League match against Israel is not played

The FAI has stated the Republic of Ireland could face undetermined penalties should they forfeit their upcoming fixture at a neutral venue.

By Christopher Devlin1 min read

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2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA), Group C : Republic of Ireland national football team at 10. September 2013 before the match against the Austria national football team (0:1) in the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna. File photograph. Picture: Michael Kranewitter · licence

Republic of Ireland captain Dara O'Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon did not exchange pennants following Sunday's Nations League encounter in Hungary.

The two teams failed to shake hands after the match ended with a Republic of Ireland victory by three goals to nil.

During the pre-match ceremony, players on both sides refrained from shaking hands, and the Irish squad bowed their heads as Israel's national anthem was performed.

Paul Cooke, president of the Football Association of Ireland, confirmed that sanctions remain undetermined should the Republic choose not to play the scheduled fixture.

The two Nations League fixtures between the Republic of Ireland and Israel have been contested since February when Group B3 pairings were announced.

Both matches are set to take place at neutral venues rather than in either country's home ground.

No official decision has yet been made regarding whether the Republic of Ireland will proceed with their participation.