FOOTBALL FOCUS

Hallgrimsson won't be drawn on political debate over Israeli draw

- MARK McCADDEN

IN the venue where Johnny Logan won the Eurovision in 1987 with Hold Me Now, Ireland's Nations League fate was sealed.

That song is belted out at every Bohemians home game and it was the Gypsies that tabled the motion at last November's FAI AGM, which won the support of delegates, urging UEFA and FIFA to kick Israel out of international competition.

As for the Eurovision, Ireland won't be competing in this year's contest because of Israel's presence in the competition.

Strange times.

The draw that placed the Boys in Green in League B3 with Israel has ensured that this will be no ordinary campaign.

Within minutes of the teams being paired together along with Austria and Kosovo the FAI issued a statement confirming that the fixtures against Israel would be fulfilled.

That led to an angry response from Sinn Féin, who called on the Association to boycott the games.

Logistically, Israel's visit to Dublin will be a nightmare and not just for the FAI.

As one colleague remarked last night, what hotel would put them up and draw thousands of protesters to their doors for the duration of their stay?