Republic of Ireland football: Carla Ward would be ‘supportive’ over players’ Israel concerns

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.

In November, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) overwhelmingly approved a motion to call on Uefa to ban Israel from European club and international competitions, but it will fulfil the Nations League fixtures on 27 September and 4 October.

In a statement following the draw, the FAI said it had consulted with Uefa and that sanctions for not fulfilling a fixture could lead to disqualification from the Nations League.

Ward said it was “a very difficult situation for all” and that if her squad faced the same issue, she would listen to any potential concerns from players.

“I support my players in all their decisions, football and non-football,” she said.

“Personal lives and politically, whatever they feel, I would usually sit down and have those conversations behind closed doors and we come to a solution.

“Like I said, I’m supportive of all the players in everything they do.”

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’m big on open-door policy and open communication with my players. I always have been, no matter what the subject is, and I will continue to do so.

“I like to think I help players in a way to make them feel as comfortable as possible.

“If they have a view or opinion, or want to have a say, then I’ll support that.”