Ireland to host Israel Nations League game at neutral venue overseas

PARIS: The Republic of Ireland’s Nations League home fixture against Israel on October 4 will be staged at a neutral venue abroad and without spectators, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced on Friday after UEFA approved its request.

The move follows concern in Ireland over the planned ties with Israel, which also include an away match in September. Several pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and figures from football had called on the federation to pull out of the fixtures because of Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza.

Last month, Ireland’s friendly against Qatar in Dublin was interrupted when home supporters threw tennis balls onto the pitch in protest over the Israel matches. The demonstration revived questions over whether a game involving Israel could be held safely at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.

In its statement, the FAI said the decision was taken after discussions with relevant parties and concerns over staging the match on home soil. It said:

"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"

The FAI also said it is deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza. The association had passed a motion in November calling on UEFA to suspend Israel from international football immediately, but the governing body did not back that request.

FAI cites sporting and financial risks

Irish football authorities have since said they have limited room to avoid the matches, warning that refusal to play could mean forfeiting both fixtures and facing disciplinary consequences, including possible removal from the competition. The FAI said losing six points from the two matches against Israel could push Ireland down to League C in the Nations League and damage the team’s path to qualification for Euro 2028.

The association also pointed to wider effects for the domestic game if it chose to boycott the fixtures. It said “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.”

Israel have already been playing home internationals at neutral venues. Their World Cup qualifying matches were held in Hungary and that they are also expected to use a neutral venue for the Nations League meeting with Ireland on September 27.