Republic of Ireland women's manager Carla Ward said she would be "supportive" of her players if they had concerns over facing Israel. Heimir Hallgrimsson's Republic of Ireland men's side were drawn with Israel in the Nations League, along with Austria and Kosovo, last week. "I support my players in all their decisions, football and non-football," she said. Ward said she would leave the FAI to answer questions on the Israel fixture and her job, and that of Hallgrimsson's, was to focus on the football. "I like to think I help players in a way to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

Source: BBC February 17, 2026 19:11 UTC