FAI encouraging players at all levels of the game to be vaccinated but respect personal choice on vaccination

Stephen Kenny and goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely ahead of the World Cup Qualifier match between the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium, on 4 September 2021

Stephen Kenny and goalkeeping coach Dean Kiely ahead of the World Cup Qualifier match between the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan at the Aviva Stadium, on 4 September 2021 Credit: Ben Whitley (ETPhotos)

Seán O’Connor reports from FAI HQ in Abbotstown

On the back of Callum Robinson’s comments this week that, despite getting COVID-19 twice, the player has yet to be vaccinated (see here), the FAI on Wednesday issued a statement regarding vaccination.

The FAI confirmed ‘that all players and staff are tested for COVID-19 before reporting for international duty with Republic of Ireland teams and are tested repeatedly in camp in line with FAI and UEFA protocols. We have encouraged all our players at all levels of the game to be vaccinated but we respect and must accept the right of all individuals to make a personal choice on COVID-19 vaccination’.

Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny speaking yesterday said that he was very happy to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and was encouraging his players to get the vaccination even if he cannot insist they get the jab.

The Ireland squad has been particularly disrupted by COVID-19 issues.

I’m vaccinated myself and I trust the medical experts and they recommend it,” said Kenny. “It makes it a safer environment for everyone. We’re not in a position where we can insist on players to be vaccinated.” 

When asked about Callum Robinson’s decision not to be vaccinated, and the message it may send out, Kenny added “it is his own personal belief. There are various theories people have, and you may not agree with and that’s the way it is. We have to accept individuals right to choose. It would be a radical decision to exclude people based on vaccinated status.

“I was very happy to be vaccinated myself and have encouraged staff and players to do the same. It seems the most sensible thing to do. There are a lot of myths and it’s complex. I’m not a medical expert but I do trust the experts and think it’s better to be vaccinated.” 

The FAI’s statement noted that their ‘COVID-19 testing protocols for all players and staff on international duty strictly follow UEFA protocols and are compliant with all Irish Government guidelines’.

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris