FAI investigates alleged racist abuse of Idah

The Football Association of Ireland has launched an investigation into allegations that Adam Idah was subjected to racist abuse by Israel supporters during the Republic of Ireland’s 3‑0 UEFA Nations League victory on Sunday. BBC Sport reports that midfielder Jayson Molumby approached match officials while the game was in progress, asking them to monitor what he believed to be abusive chanting emanating from a small group of Israel fans in the stadium. After the final whistle, officials informed FAI staff that they had not subsequently heard any racist chanting. When the FAI contacted the UEFA delegate regarding the incident, it was told that because no formal allegation of racism had been raised during the match, the standard reporting procedures were not triggered and a UEFA investigation could not be initiated. In response, the FAI is conducting its own inquiry. It is gathering high‑quality video of the match, including audio from pitchside microphones, to determine whether any abuse was directed at Idah. A review panel is being assembled to examine the footage and recordings. Should the panel find evidence indicating that Idah was targeted, it will file a complaint with UEFA and request a further probe by European football’s governing body. Idah said he was unaware of any possible abuse during the match and is receiving backing from teammates and staff ahead of the Republic of Ireland’s remaining three fixtures in the current international break. It remains uncertain whether the FAI will submit its complaint to UEFA before or after the side’s behind‑closed‑doors encounter with Israel in‑match against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia. BBC Sport has approached UEFA for comment.