Why is the Republic of Ireland Facing Israel in Football?

Before the UEFA Nations League draw in Brussels last February, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) anticipated difficulties. Positioned in Pot 3 of League B, they recognized that one potential opponent from Pot 1 would bring political and logistical challenges beyond the others. That team was Israel. The Republic of Ireland found themselves in Group B3 alongside top seeds Israel, as well as Austria and Kosovo. Soon after the draw, the FAI confirmed they would play both home and away fixtures against Israel, but neither match would take place in Ireland or Israel.

Instead, the away game against Israel was set for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary, while the home fixture was moved to the small Serbian town of Backa Topola on 4 October, behind closed doors. The FAI likely hoped this neutral arrangement would ease tensions, but questions persist about why Ireland is playing Israel at all. Calls to boycott these matches due to accusations of genocide in Gaza have made these games some of the most debated involving the Republic of Ireland in recent years.

Comments and Reactions Surrounding the Fixtures

Tensions heightened following remarks by Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, who 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 genocide allegations tied to their response after the October 7 attacks nearly three years ago, when around 1,200 people were killed by Hamas and 250 taken hostage. Since then, over 70,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza according to United Nations data. In response, the Israel Football Association accused Hallgrimsson of “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy.”

Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the Irish team’s hotel in Dublin under the “Stop the Game” campaign. The controversy echoes incidents like the ongoing fallout from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour, where rapper Macklemore was dropped for shouting “free Palestine.” Support acts including Irish artists Aaron Rowe and folk band Beoga showed solidarity by withdrawing from the tour, signaling that silence can be a choice in itself. Former Republic of Ireland player Kevin Kilbane wrote in the Irish Times that playing Israel anywhere, even on neutral ground, leaves a “stain” on the FAI.

FAI’s Position and UEFA’s Response

In November, the FAI appealed to UEFA's Executive Committee to suspend the Israel Football Association immediately. Yet, they argued that refusing to play Israel could deeply harm Irish football, risking Nations League points that impact qualifying for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host, and future World Cups. Unlike UEFA and FIFA suspending Russia shortly after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has continued competing in UEFA and FIFA events since October 7. UEFA postponed a vote on this issue last year amid hopes for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but over 1,300 Palestinians have died since then, and both sides accuse each other of breaching the truce.

Broader European Football Context

No European country has boycotted matches against Israel so far. Pro-Palestinian protests occurred in Oslo and Udine before World Cup qualifiers against Israel, but Norway and Italy played the games, unwilling to risk qualification. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness explained a boycott would only help Israel qualify instead of their own team. Earlier this month, FAI chief executive David Courell revealed UEFA denied a request to separate Ireland and Israel in future draws, stating the countries have “never been in direct conflict.”

A UEFA spokesperson commented, “Decisions to avoid certain teams being drawn against each other consider many factors, especially security risks. UEFA treats every case carefully based on facts and developments.” Still, UEFA agreed to move Ireland’s home fixture against Israel from Dublin to a neutral venue for safety reasons. Tickets are unavailable to Irish fans for the away game in Hungary as well.

Coverage and Public Response

RTE, Ireland’s public broadcaster, will provide minimal coverage of the two matches, without studio presentation or punditry, using international feeds only. Despite empty stadiums and limited broadcast elements, opposition within Ireland remains strong and vocal.

• Group B3 Teams: Republic of Ireland, Israel, Austria, Kosovo
• Away match venue: Debrecen, Hungary, 27 September 2026
• Home match venue: Backa Topola, Serbia, 4 October 2026 (behind closed doors)
• Protests: Outside Irish team hotel in Dublin under “Stop the Game” campaign
• FAI Appeal: Called for suspension of Israel FA; request denied
• UEFA Decision: Approved neutral venues for safety reasons
• Player Comments: Coach Hallgrimsson criticized, Israel FA responded strongly
• Broadcast: Reduced coverage by RTE