FAI faces marathon Oireachtas grilling over Israel match

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was subjected to an extended Oireachtas sports committee hearing on the eve of a senior international match, focusing on its handling of the controversial game against Israel.

The session, intended to discuss safeguarding and governance, turned into a two‑and‑a‑half hour inquiry into the association’s role in the dispute surrounding last Sunday’s fixture. Nine committee members and three deputies supporting the Stop The Game campaign were present in Conference Room One, Leinster House.

The FAI delegation arrived in a blacked‑out people carrier, but soon found themselves on the back foot. They were unable to produce a safeguarding specialist, either Kirsten Pakes or senior Mariama Ifode‑Blease, a point highlighted by Cork TD Paudie O’Sullivan.

Chairman Alan Kelly could not accept an addendum query from guest questioner Ruth Coppinger, and several public representatives made statements rather than direct questions, contributing to delays. Early questioning centred on safeguarding, prompting multiple requests for extra time from the FAI.

Discussion also drifted to topics such as a potential All‑Island league, but the majority of the hearing concerned the Israel match, the treatment of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and the associated player ballot. FAI director of football John Martin said Bazunu had not been spoken to by the FAI about his feelings on the game.

Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed he had spoken individually with the 26 outfield players, leaving goalkeepers to coach Gudmundur Hreidarsson. Chief executive Courell revealed the Ireland manager had visited Bazunu in August while he was at Southampton, describing the conversation as “hour‑long,” though later admitted it may have been shorter.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Joaquin Carfagna / Pexels.