FAI Confirms Dublin to Host Ireland-Israel Nations League Tie Amidst Controversy
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League fixture against Israel on October 4th will proceed as planned at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The decision follows consultations with the Irish government and An Garda Síochána (Irish police), who have assured the FAI that the match can be staged safely.
A Difficult Decision Driven by Sporting Imperatives
FAI CEO David Courell emphasized that fulfilling the fixture was not a matter of choice, but a necessity to protect the long-term interests of Irish football. Forfeiting the games would result in “serious consequences,” including the potential loss of six Nations League points, relegation to League C, and damage to Ireland’s EURO 2028 qualification seeding and FIFA ranking.
Courell stated, “We, in reality, do not have a choice for a variety of reasons. We are in these posts and in these positions to safeguard the future of Irish football.”
Controversy and Calls for Boycott
The draw pairing Ireland with Israel sparked significant controversy, particularly in light of the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza. The FAI General Assembly had previously passed a motion urging UEFA to ban Israel from international competitions, with a substantial majority vote in November 2025. Despite this, UEFA has permitted Israel to compete.
Several prominent figures within Irish football, including Brian Kerr, Stephen Bradley, and Joey O’Brien, have publicly called for a boycott of the match. However, the FAI maintains that it is bound by UEFA regulations and must fulfill the fixtures.
Security Assessments and Precedent
Concerns about security prompted initial speculation that the game might be moved to a neutral venue, similar to Belgium’s home tie against Israel in September 2024, which was relocated to Hungary. However, An Garda Síochána has provided assurances that the Aviva Stadium can host the match safely. The FAI confirmed a venue switch would only occur based on a “formal instruction of safety and security risk,” which has not been issued.
Humanitarian Support Planned
FAI President Paul Cooke stated that the home fixture will be used as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the conflict. Details of these efforts will be announced closer to the match date.
Financial and Reputational Risks of Non-Compliance
The FAI letter to its members highlighted the significant financial and reputational risks associated with refusing to play the fixtures. The board could not take a decision that would expose the association to “severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions” or place its directors in breach of their legal duties.
FAQ
Will the FAI consult with the General Assembly again regarding these fixtures? The FAI is open to hearing viewpoints from the General Assembly, but the decision to fulfill the fixtures remains firm.
What are the potential consequences of boycotting the game? Boycotting the game could lead to relegation in the Nations League, damage to EURO 2028 qualification chances, and a lower FIFA ranking.
Is the FAI ignoring the humanitarian situation in Gaza? The FAI acknowledges the suffering in Gaza and intends to employ the home fixture to support humanitarian efforts.
Where did Ireland last play Israel in Dublin? Ireland last played Israel in Dublin in June 2005, drawing 2-2 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier.
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