soccer

Dublin to host Republic of Ireland-Israel game

Dublin's Aviva Stadium will host the Republic of Ireland v Israel on 4 October [Getty Images]

The Republic of Ireland's home Nations League fixture against Israel on 4 October will be played at Dublin's Aviva Stadium, the Football Association of Ireland has confirmed.

After the sides were drawn together earlier this month, there were reports that the game would be held at a neutral venue because of security concerns after Belgium's home game with Israel in September 2024 was moved to Debrecen, Hungary.

However, according to the FAI, Gardaí (Irish police) have advised that the game can be "staged safely at the Aviva Stadium".

The teams are also scheduled to face each other in a return fixture on 27 September. The Israeli FA has said it hopes to host the Republic of Ireland in Tel Aviv, but a venue is yet to be confirmed.

In a letter to the association's general assembly, FAI president Paul Cooke said a decision to fulfil the home and away games and host the home match at the Dublin venue was made "after taking legal advice, engaging with key stakeholders and reflecting on our constitutional obligations".

"We understand that this decision will be difficult for many members and supporters. It has not been taken lightly," said Cooke.

"We intend to use the home fixture as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the conflict. Further details will be outlined closer to the match."

In November 2025, the FAI voted to submit a motion urging Uefa to ban Israel from its club and international competitions.

The motion, which was overwhelmingly passed, called on European football's governing body to exclude Israel for "violating two independent provisions of the Uefa statutes".

The "violations" cited were the "organisation of clubs in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association" and a "failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy".

Following the Nations League draw, the FAI faced calls to boycott the games, including from former Republic of Ireland boss Brian Kerr.

"We have made our views known directly to Uefa, including following the motion overwhelmingly approved by members at last November's extraordinary general meeting, and we have continued to raise those concerns over a sustained period," added Cooke.

"However, having been drawn to play these fixtures, we are required to do so."

The Republic of Ireland will also face Austria and Kosovo in League B3.

Following the Nations League draw on 12 February, the FAI indicated it would fulfil both fixtures because of the potential for disqualification.

In a statement following the draw, the FAI said it had consulted with Uefa and that sanctions for not fulfilling a fixture could lead to disqualification from the Nations League.

In September, there were reports Uefa may hold a vote on whether to suspend Israel from club and international competition.

However, such a move never materialised and any prospect of that happening receded after the announcement of the Israel-Hamas peace plan for Gaza in October.

The conflict in Gaza was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Israel responded to the attack by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 71,820 people have been killed, according to the territory's health ministry.

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