MaplePitch Logo

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) was bracing for complications. Positioned in Pot 3 of League B, Ireland knew that among the possible opponents from Pot 1, one team would present significant political and logistical difficulties. That team turned out to be Israel. The Republic of Ireland was placed in Group B3 alongside top seeds Israel, Austria, and Kosovo.

Where Are the Matches Being Played?

The FAI quickly confirmed they would honor both fixtures against Israel, but neither will take place in Ireland or Israel. Instead, Ireland’s away game against Israel is scheduled for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary. Their ‘home’ match is set for 4 October behind closed doors in Backa Topola, a small town in Serbia. Although moving these matches far from Dublin and without fans might have been hoped to lessen tensions, debates over why Ireland is playing Israel continue to dominate discussions.

Controversy Surrounding the Fixtures

Calls for boycotting the games have intensified due to allegations by a United Nations commission that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. These fixtures may be the most debated matches involving Ireland in recent years. The Republic’s head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, stirred further controversy with his remarks:

“We're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel.”

The Israeli government denies these genocide claims, citing their military response following Hamas attacks on October 7 nearly three years ago, which left about 1,200 people dead and 250 hostages taken. Since then, UN figures report more than 70,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. The Israel Football Association reacted strongly, accusing Hallgrimsson of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy."

Public Reactions and Protests

Protesters gathered outside the Irish team hotel in Dublin under the “Stop the Game” campaign. The issue also echoes in wider cultural moments, such as the fallout from Ed Sheeran’s Loop tour after rapper Macklemore was removed for calling out "free Palestine." Two Irish acts who supported Macklemore, Aaron Rowe and the folk band Beoga, withdrew from the tour, highlighting the strong feelings involved. Former Irish international Kevin Kilbane wrote that playing Israel anywhere — Dublin, Hungary, or Serbia — leaves a “stain” on the FAI.

FAI’s Position and UEFA’s Response

The FAI had requested UEFA suspend the Israel Football Association back in November but argued that refusing to play Israel could damage Irish football. They warned forfeiting Nations League points might weaken chances to qualify for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host, and future World Cups. UEFA and FIFA suspended Russia promptly after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but Israel continues to compete in their tournaments following the events of October 7.

UEFA planned a vote on suspending Israel last year but delayed it amid ceasefire reports between Israel and Hamas. Despite over 1,300 Palestinian deaths since, no European country has boycotted matches versus Israel. Protests appeared in Oslo and Udine before Israel's World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Italy, but neither nation forfeited the game. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness stated a boycott would only help Israel qualify over Norway.

Requests for Future Draws and Match Arrangements

Earlier this month, FAI chief executive David Courell said UEFA denied a request to separate Ireland and Israel in future draws, explaining the two countries have never been in direct conflict. UEFA commented that decisions to avoid certain matchups consider security risks carefully on a case-by-case basis.

Although UEFA allowed relocating Ireland’s home match against Israel for safety reasons, no tickets are available to Irish fans for the away fixture in Hungary either. Public broadcaster RTE confirmed it will provide minimal coverage of the two matches, using international commentary without studio analysis. Even with empty stadiums and stripped presentations, these matches remain highly charged topics back in Ireland.

Summary of Group B3 Teams

  • Group: B3
  • Teams: Republic of Ireland, Israel, Austria, Kosovo
  • Republic of Ireland Away Game vs Israel: 27 September, Debrecen, Hungary
  • Republic of Ireland Home Game vs Israel: 4 October, Backa Topola, Serbia (behind closed doors)

Statements and Opinions

  • Heimir Hallgrimsson: "We're playing against Israel, not with Israel."
  • Israel FA Reaction: Accused Hallgrimsson of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy."
  • Kevin Kilbane: Playing Israel anywhere leaves a "stain" on the FAI.
  • Lise Klaveness (Norwegian Football Federation): Boycotting matches helps Israel qualify instead of us.
  • FAI: Refusal to play would impact Irish football chances and Euro 2028 hopes.
  • UEFA: Decisions on avoiding matchups consider security risks individually.

Related News