Ireland reluctant to face Israel amid boycott pressure

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has acknowledged growing unease over the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, amid continued calls from supporters and campaigners for the matches to be boycotted.

Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, followed by the return fixture at Bačka Topola in Serbia on October 4. The latter match will be played behind closed doors, while Irish supporters will not receive tickets for the September fixture. 

The FAI’s General Assembly voted in July to proceed with the matches, with 75 delegates voting in favour, 32 against and three abstaining. The association has warned that withdrawing could result in UEFA sanctions and significant financial consequences for Irish football. 

Meanwhile, pressure for a boycott remains. The controversy has also prompted the FAI to ask UEFA whether Ireland and Israel could be kept apart in future competition draws. UEFA rejected the request, saying such decisions are considered primarily on security grounds.