The Derry native has slammed the FAI's decision to move Ireland's UEFA Nations League match against Israel to a neutral venue
The Derry native has slammed the FAI's decision to move Ireland's UEFA Nations League match against Israel to a neutral venueThe Derry native has argued that the organisation missed a chance to "stand on the right side of history" by refusing to play the match, describing the decision as a "cowardly move".
Earlier this week, it emerged that Ireland's UEFA Nations League encounter with Israel would take place at a neutral ground instead of the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. But, McClean, who earned 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland, has condemned the organisation for not taking a stance on the continuing situation in Gaza. Speaking to RTE Sport on Saturday evening, the Derry City player said: "I think we've missed a massive opportunity here.
"I think the decision to move to a neutral venue behind closed doors, of all the decisions we could have made, is by far the worst one. "If you're going to go ahead with the game, at least have the courage to face the backlash that was going to come with it being played in Dublin. "But to move it away is a cowardly move.
If there's one country that can relate to the oppression and famine and what's going on in Gaza, it's the people of this country. On Saturday, the FAI published an extensive statement outlining the reasoning behind relocating the Israel match to a neutral venue.
"The Football Association of Ireland confirms that UEFA has approved a request to host the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel on October 4 overseas, at a neutral venue and behind closed doors," the statement read. "Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact the delivery of the game on home soil, and therefore the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.
" "The Association thanks An Garda Síochána for their support and advice over recent months and states that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board, with the support of UEFA. "The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture.
"In recent months, the Association has been in communication with the Palestinian Football Association regarding the fulfilment of the fixtures and they have shared the following statement: "'The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes. "'The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity and mutual respect.
'"The Association is deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza and continues to reflect the sentiment of the motion that was proposed and voted in favour of by members of the FAI General Assembly in November 2025. This motion was to issue a formal request to the UEFA Executive Committee for the immediate suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes.
"While the Association submitted that motion to UEFA and has consulted with UEFA officials for almost two years on this issue, it also recognises the UEFA competition rules and regulations to which it has agreed. These outline that if an association refuses to play a match, that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow, including potential disqualification from the competition.
"In February 2026, Ireland were drawn into Group B3 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League alongside Austria, Israel and Kosovo. The Association stated at the time that the Ireland team would proceed with all scheduled fixtures and maintains this position, given that any alternative would have a profound impact on Irish football as a whole.
"Beyond the sporting implications, there would be broader consequences for Irish football, including a reduced capacity to support clubs and leagues through critical services such as safeguarding, educational programmes and player development opportunities. "There could also be implications for Ireland international teams, including the withdrawal of underage teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players and staff.
"The Association will engage with its members at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting, but reminds its members that it is the responsibility of the FAI Board to protect the future interests of football in Ireland and therefore remains committed to fulfilling each of its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures. "While the FAI Board appreciates that its decision to fulfil this fixture affects many stakeholders, it would ask that consideration also be given to the players and staff.
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