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Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories A ‘Stop the Game’ banner during the recent Ireland-Qatar friendly international. Nations League Uefa approves FAI request to play Ireland-Israel fixture overseas in neutral venue The FAI announced the decision in a statement this morning. 10.40am, 12 Jun 2026 Share options THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland has said Uefa has approved a request to move Ireland’s home Nations League match against Israel to a neutral venue overseas. The FAI announced the decision in
a statement this morning, saying the match will also be played behind closed doors. The Republic of Ireland’s men’s soccer team is due to face Israel in the Nations League at a neutral venue on 27 September and a return game had been due to take place in Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 4 October. However, there has been a growing ‘Stop the Game’ campaign in recent weeks calling for the fixtures not to go ahead due to Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza. Advertisement “The Football
Association of Ireland confirms that UEFA has approved a request to host the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel on October 4th overseas, in a neutral venue and behind closed doors,” the FAI said. “Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.” The FAI thanked An Garda Síochana “for their support and advice over
recent months” and said the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one “that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of UEFA”. “The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture.” The FAI also said it had been in contact with the Palestinian Football Association over the fulfilment of the fixtures, and shared a
statement from them. “The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes,” it reads. Related Reads No official statement on Israel fixtures until later this week, FAI insists FAI board to meet this evening to discuss options for Ireland-Israel fixtures Government supports FAI decision to play upcoming fixtures against Israel “The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the
Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect.” Two motions tabled by Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats this week calling for games not to go ahead and for the government to support this were rejected, as a government counter-motion saying it was matter for the FAI to decide was passed. Speaking on Tuesday, activists
from the campaign said that moving the game outside of Ireland simply removes the right of fans to protest. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone. A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal View 6 comments Send Tip or
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Uefa, FAI, Ireland Israel, Nations League, Aviva Stadium, neutral venue, behind closed doors, Stop the Game campaign, An Garda Síochana, Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, Palestinian Football Association