The Ireland-Israel match will be played on neutral ground

The Ireland-Israel match in the UEFA Nations League, scheduled for October 4, will be played at a neutral venue and behind closed doors.

In a statement from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), it was noted that the FAI has accepted UEFA’s request to play the Nations League match at an as-yet-undetermined neutral venue and without spectators.

The statement noted that “operational difficulties” would affect Aviva Stadium’s suitability to host the match and that this decision was reached “following consultations with various stakeholders.”

The FAI’s statement also indicated that it had been in “communication” with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) regarding the matter, and that the PFA supported the decision to move the match to a neutral venue.

In May, a protest was held in front of the Irish Parliament against the FAI’s decision to play the scheduled matches against Israel.

The FAI had decided to submit an official motion to UEFA, the governing body of European football, calling for Israel’s suspension from football. The motion was approved by a vote of 74 to 7.

Group 3 of the Nations League B includes Ireland, Israel, Kosovo, and Austria.

Players are against it too

In a survey conducted by the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFA Ireland), 63% of the 214 players currently playing for Irish clubs responded that Ireland should refuse to play the match against Israel.

Additionally, 66% of the players expressed the view that the capital city of Dublin should not host the match against Israel.