By Mark McCadden

Copyright irishmirror

Heimir Hallgrímsson says he cannot understand how FIFA and UEFA can ban Russia, yet not act against Israel . In a FIFA council meeting on Thursday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino claimed that his organisation could not solve “geopolitical problems”, despite their actions against Russia. A day earlier, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani insisted that it was up to UEFA to make a call on whether Israeli clubs and national teams should be banned over what a UN commission of inquiry concluded was a genocide in Gaza. UEFA could still act in the coming weeks but, until they do, the Ireland manager believes there are double-standards at play. Asked if, on a personal level, he would have an issue with facing Israel, he said: “Wow, Israel question, political question. I need to be careful what I say here. “I don’t think my opinion on that one matters, but you have pointed directly at me. “I don’t see the difference in FIFA and UEFA banning Russia and not Israel. I don’t see the difference, but I am not speaking on behalf of the FAI or anyone. I just don’t see the difference. “Would I have struggled if Israel were in our group and we would have to play them? “I wouldn’t have had a problem with that, but obviously, it’s an absolute tragedy what is happening there. “And if FIFA and UEFA are banning one nation for the same thing, I don’t see the difference.” He added: “That’s my opinion, but it’s only my opinion. I hope you respect that one, I am not going into the political area.” Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .