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Why is the Republic of Ireland Facing Israel in Football?

Before the UEFA Nations League draw took place in Brussels last February, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) braced for complications. Positioned in Pot 3 of League B, the Republic of Ireland faced potential opponents from Pot 1, including one team that brought significant political and logistical challenges: Israel. The Republic was drawn into Group B3 alongside top seeds Israel, as well as Austria and Kosovo. Quickly, the FAI announced they would play both home and away games against Israel, though neither would occur on Irish or Israeli soil.

Neutral Venues Chosen for Safety and Security

Instead of Dublin or any city in Israel, Ireland’s away match versus Israel was set for Debrecen, Hungary on 27 September. Their 'home' fixture was scheduled behind closed doors in Backa Topola, a small town in Serbia, on 4 October. Despite relocating these fixtures far from home and without fans, questions persist about why Ireland is playing Israel at all. Calls to boycott these matches have intensified, especially since the United Nations’ independent international commission accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Controversy Surrounding Comments from Ireland’s Head Coach

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

The Israeli government rejects the genocide accusations related to their response after the October 7 attacks nearly three years ago, which saw approximately 1,200 people killed by Hamas and 250 hostages taken. Since then, over 70,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza, according to United Nations data. The Israel Football Association responded sharply, accusing Hallgrimsson of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy."

Protests and Public Reactions in Ireland

On Monday night, protesters gathered outside the Irish team’s hotel in Dublin, backing the “Stop the Game” campaign. The situation has parallels with recent cultural controversies, such as the fallout during Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after rapper Macklemore was dropped for saying “free Palestine.” Irish artists Aaron Rowe and the folk band Beoga showed solidarity by withdrawing from the tour, reflecting the depth of feeling on this issue. Former Irish international Kevin Kilbane wrote in the Irish Times that fulfilling these fixtures will leave a "stain" on the FAI. He stated, “Ireland should not be playing Israel. Not in Dublin, not in Hungary and definitely not a ‘home’ match in Serbia.”

FAI’s Position and UEFA’s Role

The FAI wrote to UEFA’s Executive Committee last November asking for Israel’s suspension from competition but warned that refusing to face Israel could harm Irish football broadly. They argued that forfeiting points might reduce Ireland’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2028—when Ireland is a co-host—and future World Cups. While UEFA and FIFA quickly suspended Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel remains active in their competitions despite the conflict following October 7. UEFA paused a vote on suspending Israel last year due to reports of a ceasefire, which ultimately failed as violence continued.

Boycotts Remain Unseen in Europe So Far

No European nation has boycotted a match against Israel yet. Last season, protests erupted in Oslo and Udine before Israel’s World Cup qualifiers in Norway and Italy, but neither country forfeited the games. Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Federation, commented, “A boycott would only result in Israel going to the World Cup instead of us.” Earlier this month, FAI chief executive David Courell said UEFA denied their request to separate Ireland from Israel in future draws because the countries have “never been in direct conflict.”

UEFA’s Safety Measures and Media Coverage

UEFA granted the FAI’s request to move the home fixture away from Dublin for safety reasons. Tickets were not sold to Irish fans for the away game in Hungary either. RTE, Ireland’s public broadcaster, confirmed it will provide limited coverage of the two games, with no studio or pundit analysis, and commentary coming from the international feed. Despite empty stadiums and stripped-back broadcasts, the controversy continues loudly in Ireland.

  • Group B3 Teams: Ireland, Israel, Austria, Kosovo
  • Away game venue: Debrecen, Hungary (27 September)
  • Home game venue: Backa Topola, Serbia (4 October), behind closed doors
  • Approximate distance from Ireland to Serbia: 1,500 miles
  • Protest campaign: Stop the Game
  • Key statement from former player Kevin Kilbane: "Ireland should not be playing Israel... this will leave a stain on the FAI."
  • Number of Palestinians killed since October 7 attacks: Over 70,000 (UN figures)
  • Deaths in October 7 attacks by Hamas: Approximately 1,200
  • Hostages taken by Hamas: 250
  • UEFA’s action on similar conflicts: Russia suspended in 2022 invasion of Ukraine
  • FAI requests to UEFA: Suspension of Israel Football Association; separation of teams in draws (denied)

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