The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming Nations League match against Israel will not be played in Dublin, with UEFA approving the fixture’s relocation to a neutral venue behind closed doors.
Ireland were due to host Israel at the Aviva Stadium on 4 October in their 2026-27 Nations League Group B3 campaign. However, after weeks of discussions over security and operational issues, the FAI decided that staging the match in Ireland was not feasible.
The association said it had consulted a range of stakeholders before reaching the decision, concluding that hosting the game on home soil could present significant challenges. UEFA subsequently approved the request to move the fixture overseas, while Israel’s designated home match against Ireland on 27 September will also take place at a neutral venue.
The FAI thanked Irish police for their support and guidance throughout the process, describing the relocation as the most appropriate solution under the circumstances.
The decision comes amid growing calls within Ireland for a boycott of the fixtures because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Campaign groups, including the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Irish Sport For Palestine, have urged action against the matches in recent months.
Public demonstrations have accompanied the debate, while Ireland’s friendly against Qatar in May was briefly interrupted when tennis balls carrying Palestinian flags were thrown onto the pitch at the Aviva Stadium.
Despite pressure to withdraw from the fixtures, the FAI reiterated that it will fulfil its Nations League commitments. The governing body warned that refusing to play could carry serious sporting and financial consequences for Irish football.
According to the FAI, failure to participate would result in Ireland forfeiting six Nations League points, potentially leading to relegation from League B and damaging the country’s UEFA and FIFA rankings. The association also noted that such a move would benefit Israel’s chances of promotion and strengthen their prospects of qualifying for Euro 2028.
The FAI said wider consequences could include reduced funding and support for key areas of Irish football, including safeguarding programmes, education initiatives and player development pathways. It also warned that international teams at youth level could be affected through reduced services and resources.
The association acknowledged the strong views expressed by players, supporters, campaigners and members of the Irish football community. It also published a statement from the Palestinian Football Association, which thanked the FAI for its support of Palestinian athletes while expressing respect for the decision to fulfil the fixtures in line with international sporting obligations.
Last year, the FAI overwhelmingly backed a motion calling on UEFA to suspend Israel from European club and international competitions. On Friday, it said it continues to recognise the sentiment behind that motion and plans to discuss the issue further with members at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting.
Ireland captain Nathan Collins and veteran defender Seamus Coleman previously indicated that the matter should be resolved at governing-body level, while acknowledging that individual players may choose their own positions.
Ireland will also face Austria and Kosovo in Group B3 of the Nations League campaign.