The Football Association of Ireland is investigating whether forward Adam Idah was racially abused by Israel supporters during Sunday's 3-0 Uefa Nations League victory for the Republic of Ireland. BBC Sport understands that midfielder Jayson Molumby spoke to the match officials during play, asking them to listen out for what he believed to be abusive chanting coming from some of the small number of Israel fans present at the match. After full-time the officials informed FAI staff members that they did not subsequently hear any racist chanting.
When the FAI spoke to the Uefa match delegate about the alleged incident, they were informed that because no clear allegation of racism was reported during the game, the normal protocols had not been followed and a Uefa investigation could not take place. The FAI is now conducting its own investigation by amassing high-quality footage of the match, including audio from pitchside microphones, in order to establish whether or not abuse was directed at Idah. A panel is being set up by the FAI to analyse the footage and audio recordings.
If the panel believes there is evidence to suggest Idah was abused, it will make a complaint to Uefa and request a further investigation by European football's governing body. Idah was unaware of any possible abuse during the match and is now being supported by team-mates and staff members before the Republic of Ireland's remaining three fixtures in the current international break. It is unclear whether the FAI would present its case to Uefa before or after Sunday's behind-closed-doors game against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia.
BBC Sport has contacted Uefa for comment. Republic of Ireland 'raised awareness worldwide' in Israel game FAI unclear over possible sanctions if game not played Republic of Ireland defeat Israel in Debrecen Swansea City player Idah scored the second goal in a match which had been in doubt in the run-up to kick off, amid widespread protests against facing Israel from Irish fans and politicians, and late discussions among the playing squad about whether or not to fulfil the fixture. The game was held in the city of Debrecen, Hungary, with about 300 Israel supporters present and no tickets sold to Irish fans.
The fixture is a 'home' match for the Republic of Ireland but has been moved to a remote corner of Europe amid ongoing protests from fans over the FAI's decision to fulfil the fixtures. The FAI voted earlier this year to play the matches, having been concerned about potential sanctions, including fines and expulsions from competitions, if it had opted to boycott. Ireland has been among the European countries to most keenly show support for Palestinians since the start of Israel's military offensive in Gaza in October 2023.
More than 73,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. The FAI has asked Uefa to keep the Republic of Ireland and Israel apart in future draws. The two teams did not shake hands or exchange pennants before the match kicked off, and the Irish team bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem.
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