UEFA Investigates Alleged Spitting Incident in Ireland-Israel Nations League Draw
UEFA has appointed an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector to investigate an allegation that Israeli players spat towards a Republic of Ireland coach during the half-time tunnel period of Sunday’s 1-1 Nations League draw in Backa Topola, Serbia.
The investigation concerns possible player misconduct in the UEFA Nations League 2027 league-phase fixture, played behind closed doors on 4 October 2026. UEFA acted after reviewing the official match reports and will now examine evidence from the reported incident in or near the tunnel.
Israel deny allegation
Israel’s football association rejected the claim and said no member of its squad had spat at the Irish coach. It also said its players had aimed to behave professionally through both meetings with Ireland despite what it described as provocation from the opposition.
No disciplinary charge has yet been issued. The inspector’s findings will determine whether UEFA opens a formal case against any individual and considers sanctions.
Who is affected
- Republic of Ireland and Israel are awaiting the outcome of UEFA’s disciplinary review.
- Any Israel player found to have committed misconduct around the tunnel could face UEFA charges.
- UEFA also restricted media access after the match, barring two journalists from the post-match press conference.
The press restrictions followed a difficult build-up in which Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson’s earlier media briefing ended abruptly.
Tensions pre-dated Serbia meeting
- Before the sides met on 27 September, Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad, citing “the atrocities in the region”.
- A significant majority of the Ireland squad voted to play, and Ireland won the first match 3-0.
- Hallgrimsson said before that fixture that his team would be playing against genocide.
- Israel’s association responded by accusing the Ireland coach of ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity.
- The return fixture ended 1-1 on 4 October, followed by the tunnel allegation now under investigation.
Future meetings could remain a sensitive issue. Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell has said UEFA previously turned down a request to keep Ireland and Israel apart in future competition draws.
What happens next: UEFA’s inspector will collect and assess the available material before deciding whether disciplinary proceedings and possible punishment are warranted.
