Republic of Ireland to face Israel in neutral country

The Football Association of Ireland has said the Republic of Ireland's home UEFA Nations League match against Israel on October 4 will be moved to a neutral overseas venue and played behind closed doors after UEFA approved the request.

The decision means there will be no spectators at the fixture, which was originally scheduled to be played in Dublin. The FAI said the move followed consultation with stakeholders and was made because of operational challenges around staging the game on home soil.

Why the match is being moved

The FAI said it sought UEFA approval to relocate the match and close it to the public. Reports on Friday linked the decision to protests, security concerns and the broader political sensitivity surrounding the fixture.

The Times reported the move came after pro-Palestinian protests, while The Sun said the association argued that failing to fulfill the fixture could lead to sporting and disciplinary consequences under UEFA rules.

The Guardian also reported on Friday that UEFA had approved the request and that the match would now be staged overseas behind closed doors.

What happens next

The exact neutral venue has not yet been announced, and the FAI has not given full details on ticketing or replacement arrangements for supporters and season-ticket holders.

The association is expected to confirm the host country and stadium later. It is also due to consult members at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting on a non-binding motion related to playing Israel.

The fixture remains part of Ireland's Nations League campaign, with the decision now shifting the focus from Dublin to the practical and political questions around where the game will be played and how it will be delivered.