Republic of Ireland could have faced 'undetermined' sanctions had they boycotted Israel fixture, warns FAI president Paul Cooke

Republic of Ireland could have faced "undetermined" sanctions had they not played their Nations League match against Israel on Sunday, according to Football Association of Ireland president Paul Cooke.

Ireland secured a 3-0 win over Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, but the fixture was played amid significant controversy. Irish and Israeli players did not shake hands, the Irish squad bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem, and there was no exchange of pennants between Republic of Ireland captain Dara O'Shea and Israel skipper Manor Solomon.

Doubt over the fixture and a players' vote

The two Nations League fixtures, being played at neutral venues, have been embroiled in controversy since February when the teams were drawn together in Group B3. The Republic of Ireland players had faced calls to withdraw from the games because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war, with a "Stop The Game" campaign organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine gathering pace.

There appeared to be real doubt on Saturday morning whether the fixture would take place at all, with players locked in a meeting back at their hotel after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the game in protest and several others expressed concerns about fielding a team. The FAI later confirmed that a players' vote passed by a "significant majority" to play the game.

The second match between the sides is scheduled to take place on 4 October in the Serbian town of Backa Topola.

Cooke: Uefa rules are 'clear'

Speaking after the victory in Hungary, Cooke outlined the potential consequences had Ireland refused to fulfil the fixture.

"The rules are clear. It specifies if we don't fulfil the fixtures what the sanctions are and then there's reference to other sanctions undetermined," he told RTE Sport, when asked whether Uefa had threatened additional sanctions if one or both of the matches were not fulfilled.

"I think it depends on Uefa and what sanctions they levy on somebody as a result of it. We saw a recent thing in England and Southampton, the levies that were levied on them [expelled from the English Championship play-offs after admitting spying on opponents]."

FAI defends its handling of the build-up

Cooke, who praised the players and manager Heimir Hallgrimsson after the victory, defended how the FAI dealt with the build-up to the controversial match.

"Some people think it was quite well handled," he said. "We said all along that we would play the game. That was mandated through us by our members, through the board, and we've fulfilled one of the fixtures now thanks to the courage of those players who played tonight and togged out."

Uefa 'still considering' FAI letter on Israel's expulsion

Cooke was also asked about Uefa's response to an FAI letter sent last November which proposed Israel's expulsion from international and club competitions.

"Their response was that they'd consider it and they're still considering it," he said.

Cooke has also spoken to the two other countries in the group - Austria and Kosovo - asking whether they would back sanctions against Israel.

"I've certainly spoken to the other countries in our group and they reaffirmed their decisions to play the games," he added.