Carla Ward will lead the Republic of Ireland into qualifying for the 2027 World Cup [Getty Images]<\/p>\n
Republic of Ireland women’s manager Carla Ward said she would be “supportive” of her players if they had concerns over facing Israel.<\/strong><\/p>\n Heimir Hallgrimsson’s Republic of Ireland men’s side were drawn with Israel in the Nations League, along with Austria and Kosovo, last week.<\/p>\n In November, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) overwhelmingly approved a motion to call on Uefa to ban Israel<\/a> from European club and international competitions, but it will fulfil the Nations League fixtures on 27 September and 4 October.<\/p>\n In a statement following the draw,<\/a> the FAI said it had consulted with Uefa and that sanctions for not fulfilling a fixture could lead to disqualification from the Nations League.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “I support my players in all their decisions, football and non-football,” she said.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “Like I said, I’m supportive of all the players in everything they do.”<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.<\/p>\n “I like to think I help players in a way to make them feel as comfortable as possible.<\/p>\n “If they have a view or opinion, or want to have a say, then I’ll support that.”<\/p>\n