Why Is the Republic of Ireland Facing Israel in Football?
Republic of Ireland Drawn Against Israel in UEFA Nations League
Before the UEFA Nations League draw took place in Brussels this past February, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was bracing for complications. Positioned in Pot 3 of League B, Ireland faced four possible opponents from Pot 1, but one team stood out for political and logistical challenges: Israel. When the draw landed Ireland in Group B3 with Israel, Austria, and Kosovo, the FAI quickly confirmed they would complete both fixtures against Israel. Yet neither match will happen on Irish or Israeli soil.
Neutral Venues for Both Fixtures
The away game against Israel is set for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary, while the 'home' match will take place behind closed doors in Backa Topola, a small town in Serbia, on 4 October. The FAI hoped relocating the home fixture 1,500 miles from Dublin to a quiet Serbian venue, without fans, might ease tensions. Still, many question why Ireland is playing Israel at all, especially amid calls to boycott these matches due to serious accusations against Israel.
Controversy Surrounding Israel's Actions
The United Nations independent commission has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. This grave charge has fueled protests and debate around the fixtures. Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson added fuel to the fire last week when he said, "We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel." The Israeli government denies any genocide, pointing to their response after the October 7 attacks almost three years ago, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths by Hamas and 250 hostages taken. Since then, over 70,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza according to UN data. Israel's Football Association called Hallgrimsson’s comments "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy."
Protests and Public Reaction in Ireland
On Monday night, protesters gathered outside the Irish team hotel in Dublin under the "Stop the Game" campaign. The controversy echoes other moments of public dissent, like rapper Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after he voiced support for Palestine. Irish artists Aaron Rowe and folk band Beoga withdrew from Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore. Former Irish international Kevin Kilbane expressed his disapproval in the Irish Times, calling the decision to play Israel a "stain" on the FAI, stating, "Ireland should not be playing Israel. Not in Dublin, not in Hungary and definitely not a ‘home’ match in Serbia."
FAI's Position and UEFA's Response
Despite writing to UEFA’s Executive Committee last November demanding Israel’s suspension, the FAI warned that refusing to play would have "profound impact on the whole of Irish football." They argued forfeiting Nations League points could jeopardize chances of qualifying for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host, as well as future World Cups. Unlike UEFA and FIFA's swift ban on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has continued participating in competitions since October 7. A planned UEFA vote on the issue was postponed after reports of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, although violence has persisted with over 1,300 Palestinians killed since then.
European Teams Avoid Boycotts So Far
No European nation has boycotted matches against Israel yet. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations occurred in Oslo and Udine before World Cup qualifiers against Israel last season, but Norway and Italy played the games. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness commented, "A boycott would only result in Israel going to the World Cup instead of us." Earlier this month, FAI chief executive David Courell revealed UEFA rejected a request to separate Ireland and Israel in future draws because the two countries have "never been in direct conflict."
UEFA's Safety Measures and Broadcast Decisions
UEFA did approve moving Ireland’s home match against Israel from Dublin to a neutral venue citing "reasons of safety." No tickets are available for Irish fans attending the away game in Hungary. Ireland’s public broadcaster RTE plans limited coverage of both fixtures, providing no studio analysis or punditry, and using international feeds for commentary. Even with empty stands and minimal broadcast presence, the matches remain hotly debated in Ireland.
Group B3 Standings and Fixtures
- Teams: Israel (top seed), Austria, Republic of Ireland, Kosovo
- Republic of Ireland Away vs Israel: 27 September, Debrecen, Hungary
- Republic of Ireland Home vs Israel: 4 October, Backa Topola, Serbia (behind closed doors)
Key Quotes
"We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel." – Heimir Hallgrimsson, Republic of Ireland head coach
"Ireland should not be playing Israel. Not in Dublin, not in Hungary and definitely not a ‘home’ match in Serbia." – Kevin Kilbane, former Republic of Ireland player
"A boycott would only result in Israel going to the World Cup instead of us." – Lise Klaveness, Norwegian Football Federation president
Recent Protests and Campaigns
- “Stop the Game” protest outside Irish team hotel in Dublin
- Support acts withdrawing from Ed Sheeran’s tour over Palestine solidarity
- Calls for boycott of matches featuring Israel due to UN allegations
