The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has announced that the Republic of Ireland will play its home Nations League match against Israel later this year at a neutral venue.
Recent board meetings of the governing body have focused on the “operational aspects” of hosting the match at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4.
On Friday, the FAI confirmed that UEFA has given the green light to stage the match at a neutral location behind closed doors.
The two teams will also meet at a neutral venue for Israel’s home Group B3 match on September 27.
“After consulting with various stakeholders, the Association believes that operational challenges might affect the execution of the game at home, so it will be hosted away from the Aviva Stadium,” the FAI stated.
“The Association expresses gratitude to An Garda Síochana [Irish police] for their ongoing support and advice, and emphasizes that the decision to move the match to a neutral site is considered the appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with UEFA’s backing.”
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There have been growing calls in Ireland for a boycott of the matches due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Last month, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest at the Dáil (Irish parliament).
A campaign called ‘Stop The Game’ was initiated by the advocacy group Irish Sport For Palestine, and a friendly against Qatar at Aviva Stadium in May was interrupted when tennis balls bearing the Palestinian flag were thrown onto the pitch.
Following the Nations League draw in February, the FAI had confirmed its commitment to fulfill the fixtures, stating that it had “no choice” and could face “serious consequences” if it withdrew from the matches.
Last month, veteran Republic of Ireland defender Seamus Coleman remarked that the issue “should have been dealt with above us”, while captain Nathan Collins suggested that if any players felt strongly enough to boycott the games, “we are not going to stand against them”.
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FAI: Boycotting Games Would Have ‘Profound Impact’
On Friday, the FAI acknowledged the sentiments expressed by players, staff, supporters, members, campaigners, and the broader Irish football community regarding this fixture.
The FAI also shared a statement from the Palestinian Football Association, which expressed gratitude for the principled stances taken by the FAI in support of Palestinian rights.
“The Palestinian Football Association respects the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within its sporting and international obligations, which allows it to continue its mission of promoting football as well as the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect,” the statement said.
Despite the pressure to boycott the games, the FAI maintains that fulfilling the fixtures is essential, as not doing so could have a “profound impact on the entire Irish football landscape.” They noted that failing to play the matches could result in the forfeiture of six points, risking relegation to League C in the Nations League, and negatively affecting UEFA and FIFA rankings, subsequently benefiting Israel in their chances for promotion and qualification for Euro 2028.
“In addition to the sporting repercussions, there could be broader impacts on Irish football, such as diminished ability to support clubs and leagues, including services like safeguarding, educational initiatives, and player development opportunities,” the FAI added in its statement.
Furthermore, the consequences for Ireland’s international teams could lead to a withdrawal of youth teams and reduced support for players and staff.
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Last year, the FAI held a vote to overwhelmingly urge UEFA to ban Israel from European club and international competitions.
On Friday, the association affirmed that it continues to reflect the sentiment of that motion and intends to consult with its members at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting.
The Republic of Ireland is also set to compete against Austria and Kosovo in Group B3 of the 2026-27 Nations League.