Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward would be supportive of players' concerns over Israel

Carla Ward said she would support any players with concerns about facing Israel, and the FAI has consulted Uefa while scheduling Nations League matches on 27 September and 4 October.

Carla Ward, manager of the Republic of Ireland women's team, said she would be supportive if players raised concerns about facing Israel. The comment came after the men's Nations League draw placed the Republic of Ireland with Israel, Austria and Kosovo. In November the Football Association of Ireland passed a motion calling on Uefa to ban Israel from European competitions while also saying it would fulfil scheduled Nations League fixtures. The FAI has said it consulted Uefa and warned that sanctions are possible if fixtures are not fulfilled. Key facts: - Carla Ward said she supports her players' decisions on football and non-football matters and would discuss any concerns behind closed doors. - The men's team were drawn with Israel in the Nations League along with Austria and Kosovo. - The FAI voted in November to call on Uefa to ban Israel from European competitions but has indicated it will fulfil the Nations League fixtures on 27 September and 4 October. - The FAI said it consulted Uefa and noted that failing to fulfil fixtures could lead to disqualification or other sanctions. Summary: Ward said she will focus on football and support players while leaving questions about the Israel fixture to the FAI. The FAI has consulted Uefa and the next scheduled Nations League fixtures are on 27 September and 4 October; possible sanctions for not fulfilling fixtures were reported.