The FAI are prepared to finally listen to their members on the proposals to stop the Nations League games against Israel but CEO David Courell has again warned that the matches have to go ahead despite public opposition.
An EGM of the Association on Thursday night heard President Paul Cooke tell Bohs’ representative Daniel Lambert that the FAI will grant an EGM to discuss the Israeli fixtures but only if a request is made with enough voting support to back the proposal.
The Irish Independent reports that Lambert raised the subject under AOB when he asked that the FAI call an EGM in response to the widespread public opposition to the home fixture in early October.
Lambert also reminded delegates that no action was taken against Poland, Czechia or Sweden when they refused to play Russia in 2022.
The report adds that Cooke indicated that, while the board would not call an EGM without a request from the members to do so, they would be open to such a meeting taking place.
However Courell countered that view by stating that the FAI will not change its stance on the Israel game. The paper quotes former FA official Courell as stating that the FAI are ‘effectively obliged to fulfil the games’ and added that drawing Israel in the Nations League was ‘unfortunate’.
Despite the recent public outcry against the Dublin game going ahead on October 4th, Courell again outlined support for the fixture from Government and An Garda Siochana.
The report also suggests that Courell referenced Nations League rules with the ‘core principle’ being that UEFA member associations fulfil every game.
Daniel McDonnell’s article quotes The Nations League regulations which state that: “If the circumstances of the case so justify, the Uefa disciplinary bodies may impose any further disciplinary measures deemed appropriate on the association concerned, including disqualification from the competition.
“Article 26.05 says that an association that refuses to play or is responsible for a match not taking place or not being played in full may lose all rights to payments from Uefa depending on the gravity of the circumstances.”
Former Brighton winger Andrew Moran has told Irish media that Evan Ferguson expects to be fully fit in time to hit the ground running next season.
Speaking at the Irish team’s training camp in Spain ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Grenada in Murcia, Moran was asked how Ferguson was doing as he recovers from ankle surgery in March.
Preston schemer Moran played with Ferguson at Brighton and is close friends with the Meath native who spent most of this season on loan at Roma before the surgery to correct a long standing ankle issue.
Ferguson is now back at Brighton for his rehab and Moran has spoken to his good friend about the recovery.
The Preston midfielder told the Irish Mirror: “I’ve been speaking to him (Ferguson) a bit and he’s doing well. He’s just rehabbing now back at Brighton, so all good.
“It was really hard to watch his games last year because I was in the LA time zone, but the couple of games I watched, I thought he was really good.
“He was scoring goals and looking like his normal self. I remember the Celtic game in particular, he looked top-class. I think he had a really good loan spell and I think he enjoyed it. As far as I know from talking to him he enjoyed it. It’s just about him getting back fit and doing what he does.”
Katie McCabe has confirmed that she will leave Arsenal when her contract ends next week, ending an 11 year association with the Gunners.
McCabe will bring the curtain down on her career in North London that saw her play 305 times and score 37 years, winning the Women’s Super League in 2019, the Champions League in 2025, an FA Cup, three League Cups and one Champions Cup medal.
The BBC reports that the Tallaght native was in tears after Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Everton on Wednesday in what was to be her final game at Emirates Stadium.
She will however be involved for the club’s final game of the season at Anfield against Liverpool on Saturday.
Arsenal’s director of women’s football, Clare Wheatley said: “Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club.
“Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and forging a special bond with our supporters. She departs as a club legend and we are so proud of our shared journey together.”
Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch has revealed that star striker Liam Boyce is back training on grass after the nightmare hamstring and cal injuries restricted his first team involvement since August last.
Former Northern Ireland international Boyce won’t be rushed back into first team action by City who travel to Waterford on Friday night.
Speaking to Owen Cowzer, Lynch told the Irish Sun: “It’s good to have Liam back. He hasn’t had it easy with regards to injuries. He’s a great lad and he works really hard.
“He’s hugely frustrated. It has probably been, since he’s been here, a bit stop, start, stop, start. When you do get him back on the pitch, you do see him in training, the quality is there for everybody to see. It would be great if he can get on here and stay injury-free.”
Brentford’s Irish boss Keith Andrews has been included on the six-man shortlist for the Premier League Manager of the Year award.
Former Ireland international midfielder and national team assistant boss Andrews features on the list alongside Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Manchester United’s Michael Carrick, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, and Sunderland’s Regis le Bris.
The Irish Examiner reports that Andrews was widely tipped to struggle at Brentford this season after he stepped up from set-piece coach last summer to succeed departing boss Thomas Frank. Andrews has prospered in the role however with Brentford currently eighth in the Premier Division table and still in contention for a Europa Conference or Europa League place.
