Football

UEFA opens probe into alleged misconduct during Ireland-Israel soccer match

The investigation follows reports of possible player misconduct during Ireland’s Nations League fixture against Israel, played behind closed doors in Serbia.

Israel's players (L) and the Republic of Ireland's players (R) stand alongside the officials for the national anthems ahead of the UEFA Nations League Group B3 football match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola on October 4, 2026.
ISRAEL'S DOR PERETZ celebrates with teammates after scoring the blue-and-white’s lone goal in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Ireland in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Blue-and-white earns point against Ireland, but relegation battle looms

Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson reacts to FIFA World Cup UEFA Qualifiers, Czech Republic vs Republic of Ireland, March 26, 2026.

Irish soccer team's coach cuts press conference short after heated exchange with Israeli journalist

ISRAEL FANS at Nagyerdei Stadion, Debrecen, Hungary, wave flags after the match of the blue-and-white 3-0 loss to Ireland in Nations League action.

Ireland defeats Israel 3-0 amid pre-game controversy, plenty of pressure


Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

FIFA considers requesting Trump to issue ICE raid moratorium during World Cup - report

FIFA is exploring the possibility of requesting US President Donald Trump to pause ICE raids during the World Cup, hoping FIFA chief Gianni Infantino's relationship with him could leverage policy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) awards US President Donald Trump (L) with the FIFA Peace Prize, December 5, 2025; illustrative.

Star-Spangled exodus: How MLS became a Mecca for Israeli soccer stars

The era of the “Yored” is dead; the era of the “Ambassador” has arrived. And this season is the final proof that Israeli soccer has found itself a new home.

TAI BARIBO finds the net for D.C. United, emblematic of a new wave of Israeli soccer stars thriving on American soil.

Desert diamond: Or Divan and the new dawn of Israeli women’s soccer

Divan is a rare talent in the local landscape, her superb aerial game making her a constant threat on high balls, completing the profile of a truly modern and well-rounded player.

AT JUST 16, Or Divan has skipped the natural order of Israeli soccer. From scoring over 100 goals in a season to her time in the World Cup qualifiers, the striker is proving that greatness doesn’t wait for age.

Getting back to the games while under fire

Israeli sports leagues prepare to resume under strict safety guidelines, with empty stadiums and arenas.

Football and basketball leagues across Israel are pushing ahead with plans to complete their seasons as the war continues.

Iranian football players face government pressure to return to Iran, as families warn against it

The exact number of delegation members seeking protection remains unclear, with accounts from activists, officials, and Iranian state media differing.

THE REMAINING members of Iran’s women’s national football team embrace a member of the support staff who had refused to board the plane.

Omri Airlines: The meteoric rise of Israeli midfielder Gandelman with Italy’s Lecce

Gandelman has transformed into the “new face” of US Lecce in just a few short weeks, a player in the right place at the right time to secure a vital 2-1 victory.

WHETHER AT the club level for US Lecce or playing for the Israel national team Omri Gandelman has become a reliable contributor and fan favorite.

Australia to grant visas to five members of Iranian women's soccer team after Trump appeal

The players, who were playing in the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, stood silent last week during the Iranian national anthem, which was interpreted by hardliners in Iran as a sign of treason.

Fatemeh Pasandideh of Iran during the AFC Women's Asian Cup Group A match between South Korea and Iran at Robina Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia, March 2, 2026.

Luka Gadrani anchors Beitar Jerusalem’s defense as championship race heats up

Gadrani, who joined the club at the end of September from Kairat Almaty, has been one of the standouts as the Georgian national team defender provides a cool, calm, and collected presence.

BEITAR JERUSALEM defender Luka Gadrani has brought stability to the club’s back line since arriving from Kairat Almaty, helping the capital side stay in title contention.

Maccabi Haifa goalkeeper Yermakov’s resolve in uncertain times

Some foreign players have left Israel and plan to return once the situation calms down. Some, like Georgiy Yermakov, have stayed.

MACCABI HAIFA goalkeeper Georgiy Yermakov remains in Israel during the league’s wartime pause, while balancing the reality of conflict in both his homeland of Ukraine and his adopted home.