The Republic of Ireland's upcoming Nations League match against Israel will be held at a neutral venue behind closed doors, following widespread protests from players and fans over the civilian death toll in Gaza.
Protests disrupt friendly match
During a friendly victory over Qatar in Dublin, the match was twice briefly interrupted by fans protesting against Ireland's scheduled fixtures with Israel. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed the decision after consultations, citing operational challenges that could impact the delivery of the game on home soil.
The match was originally set to take place at the Aviva Stadium on 4 October. A separate fixture designated as an Israel home match on 27 September is also expected to be moved to a neutral venue.
Campaign for boycott
Irish footballers, fans, and celebrities had launched a campaign calling for a boycott of the game. Ireland has been one of the European Union's most outspoken critics of Israel's war in Gaza. In late 2025, FAI members voted overwhelmingly to request that Uefa suspend the Israel Football Association from European competitions.
United Nations experts have also appealed to Fifa and Uefa to suspend Israel, citing a UN commission of inquiry report that accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has denied these allegations, calling the report scandalous.
FAI statement and Palestinian support
The FAI statement noted that the Palestinian Football Association expressed appreciation for Ireland's principled positions in support of Palestinian rights. Nearly 73,000 people in Gaza have been killed since the war began, most of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
