Republic of Ireland v Israel to be played at neutral venue
Dublin's Aviva Stadium was originally scheduled to host the fixture
- Published
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed the Republic of Ireland's home Nations League fixture with Israel later this year will take place at a neutral venue.
The governing body's board has held meetings in recent weeks to discuss the "operational aspects" of hosting Israel at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on 4 October.
On Friday, the FAI said Uefa approved a request to host the game at a neutral overseas venue and behind closed doors.
The sides are also scheduled to meet at a neutral venue for Israel's home Group B3 match on 27 September.
"Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium," said the FAI.
"The Association thanks An Garda Síochana [Irish police] for their support and advice over recent months and states that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of Uefa."
Pressure has grown in Ireland for a boycott of the games because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign having held a protest at the Dáil (Irish parliament) last month.
A 'Stop The Game' campaign was launched by the pressure group Irish Sport For Palestine, while May's 1-0 friendly victory over Qatar at Aviva Stadium was disrupted when tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag were thrown on to the pitch.
Following the Nations League draw in February, the FAI confirmed it would fulfil the fixtures, with chief executive David Courell saying the governing body had "no choice" and could face "serious consequences" if it pulled out of the games.
Last month, experienced Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman said the issue "should have been dealt with above us", while captain Nathan Collins said that if individual players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, "we are not going to stand against them".
Last month, the Republic of Ireland's friendly with Qatar at Aviva Stadium was disrupted when tennis balls featuring the Palestinian flag were thrown on to the pitch
Boycotting games would have 'profound impact' - FAI
On Friday, the FAI said it "understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture".
The FAI also shared a statement from the Palestinian Football Association, which said: "The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes.
"The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect."
Despite having faced calls from within Ireland to boycott the games, the FAI insists it will fulfil the fixtures as pulling out of the matches would have "a profound impact on the whole of Irish football".
It said the result of not fulfilling the games would be the forfeiture of six points which could lead to relegation to League C in the Nations League and an impact on the team's Uefa and Fifa rankings while highlighting that "the converse of these impacts would apply to Israel", increasing their chances of Nations League promotion and Euro 2028 qualification.
"Beyond the sporting implications, there would be broader consequences for Irish football, such as reduced capacity to support clubs and leagues through critical services such as safeguarding, educational programmes, and player development opportunities," added the statement.
"Also, the impact on Ireland international teams could result in the withdrawal of underage teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players and staff."
Last year, the FAI overwhelmingly approved a motion to call on Uefa to ban Israel from European club and international competitions.
On Friday, the association said it "continues to reflect the sentiment" of that motion and said it will engage with its members at a forthcoming extraordinary general meeting.
The Republic of Ireland will also face Austria and Kosovo in Group B3 of the 2026-27 Nations League.
