The Republic of Ireland is set to face Israel in a pair of UEFA Nations League matches later this month amid growing controversy and calls for a boycott. The fixtures include an away game in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27 and a “home” game relocated to Backa Topola, Serbia on October 4, both held without spectators. The decision to move the matches away from Ireland and Israel comes amid heightened political tensions linked to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed it would fulfill both fixtures despite considerable opposition from activist groups and some former players. The “Stop the Game” campaign has called for Ireland to boycott the matches to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza, where a United Nations independent commission has accused Israel of committing genocide. The conflict has led to significant casualties, with UN figures estimating over 70,000 Palestinians killed since hostilities intensified following the October 7, 2021 attacks by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis.
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson sparked further debate last week when he described the team’s position by saying they were “playing against genocide,” rather than “playing with Israel.” These comments drew a sharp response from the Israel Football Association, which condemned the remarks as “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy.”
Protests have accompanied the build-up to the games, including demonstrations outside the Irish team’s hotel in Dublin. Public figures such as former Irish international Kevin Kilbane have criticized the FAI’s decision, arguing that participating in the fixtures could tarnish Irish football. Kilbane contended that Ireland should not compete with Israel in any venue, citing the political and humanitarian implications.
The FAI has also faced practical and competitive pressures in its decision. Officials warn that forfeiting the matches could jeopardize Ireland’s qualification chances for UEFA Euro 2028, which they will co-host, as well as future World Cup bids. In contrast to the swift suspension of Russia from international football following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Israel has continued participating in UEFA and FIFA competitions despite the conflict. UEFA had considered suspending Israel last year but deferred action amid ceasefire hopes that have yet to hold firmly.
UEFA approved the relocation of Ireland’s “home” fixture for safety reasons and confirmed that no tickets will be available to Irish supporters for either fixture. The Irish public broadcaster RTÉ announced it would limit coverage of the games to international feeds without studio analysis or commentary.
While no European nation has ultimately boycotted matches against Israel, the debate continues to illustrate the intersection of sport, politics, and international conflict. UEFA’s spokesperson emphasized that decisions on avoiding certain matchups consider multiple factors, including security risks, and noted that Israel and Ireland have never been in direct conflict. The FAI’s request to be separated from Israel in future competition draws was denied.
The upcoming fixtures, though played in empty stadiums far from either team’s home soil, remain highly charged events reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and divergent perspectives on the conflict in Gaza.