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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) braced for a tough scenario. Positioned in Pot 3 of League B, they faced four possible opponents from Pot 1, with one country presenting more political and logistical challenges than the others: Israel. The Republic of Ireland ended up in Group B3 with Israel as top seeds, along with Austria and Kosovo.

The FAI quickly confirmed they would play both home and away matches against Israel, but neither will happen in Ireland or Israel. Instead, Ireland’s away game against Israel is set for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary. Their "home" match is scheduled for 4 October behind closed doors in Backa Topola, a small town in Serbia.

This relocation was meant to reduce tensions, yet the question of why Ireland is playing Israel at all has been loud since the draw. Calls to boycott these matches have surged, especially since a United Nations independent commission accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. This double-header might be among the most debated matches involving Ireland in recent memory.

Comments Stirring Controversy

"We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide," said Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson last week when asked about the players' stance ahead of the fixtures. "We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel."

Israel has strongly denied the genocide claims following their response to the October 7 attacks nearly three years ago, when Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. Since then, over 70,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza according to UN figures. The Israel Football Association branded Hallgrimsson’s remarks as "stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy."

Protests and Public Reactions

On Monday evening, protestors gathered outside the Irish team hotel in Dublin under the “Stop the Game” campaign. The atmosphere reflects wider tensions, highlighted by incidents like rapper Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after voicing support for Palestine. Two Irish acts who withdrew from Sheeran’s shows in solidarity remind us that staying silent is a choice.

Kevin Kilbane, former Republic of Ireland international with 110 caps, wrote in the Irish Times that fulfilling these fixtures will leave a "stain" on the FAI. He insisted Ireland should not be playing Israel — not in Dublin, Hungary, or a neutral venue in Serbia.

FAI’s Position and UEFA’s Role

Despite writing to UEFA’s Executive Committee last November requesting Israel’s suspension, the FAI argued that refusing to play could severely impact Irish football. Forfeiting points might damage chances to qualify for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host, and future World Cups. Unlike Russia, which was suspended swiftly after invading Ukraine in 2022, Israel has continued competing in UEFA and FIFA tournaments after October 7.

UEFA postponed a planned vote last year on suspending Israel due to ceasefire reports between Israel and Hamas. Yet over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

Boycott Resistance and Security Concerns

No European nation has boycotted matches against Israel so far. Last season, protests erupted before Israel's World Cup qualifiers in Norway and Italy, but those countries did not risk qualification by forfeiting. Lise Klaveness, Norwegian Football Federation president, said a boycott would only help Israel qualify instead of Norway.

Earlier this month, FAI CEO David Courell confirmed UEFA rejected Ireland’s request to avoid Israel in future draws, citing no direct conflict between the two countries. UEFA stated decisions to separate teams consider many factors, especially security risks, and every case is handled carefully.

Neutral Venues and Broadcast Restrictions

UEFA did approve moving Ireland’s home game away from Dublin for safety reasons. No tickets are available for Irish fans in Hungary either. RTE, Ireland’s public broadcaster, announced it will offer limited coverage without studio analysis, using international commentary feeds.

Even with empty stands and stripped-back coverage, these matches remain a focal point of debate back home.

Group B3 Standings and Fixtures

  • Group: B3
  • Teams: Israel (top seed), Republic of Ireland, Austria, 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)

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