Ireland to play Israel Nations League match at neutral venue behind closed doors after Gaza protests

Campaign for a boycott

Pressure had been building in Ireland for the matches to be boycotted. A 'Stop the Game' campaign led by Irish Sport For Palestine gained traction, and the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest at the Dáil last month. In May, a friendly against Qatar at the Aviva Stadium was disrupted when tennis balls wrapped in Palestinian flags were thrown on to the pitch. Player and fan sentiment also shifted: defender Seamus Coleman said the issue "should have been dealt with above us", while captain Nathan Collins stated that if individuals felt strongly enough to boycott, the squad would not stand in their way.

FAI's decision and UEFA approval

On June 12, the Football Association of Ireland announced that UEFA had approved its request to move the October 4 home fixture overseas, to a neutral venue and behind closed doors. The away game on September 27 is also expected to be played at a neutral venue. The FAI said operational challenges could affect delivery at the Aviva Stadium, thanking An Garda Síochána for advice.

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.

Political backdrop

Ireland has been among the EU's most vocal critics of Israel's war in Gaza. Nearly 73,000 people in the territory have been killed, most civilians, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel launched its assault after the Hamas-led attack of October 7 2023 killed 1,200 and took 251 hostages. Late in 2025, FAI members voted overwhelmingly to request that UEFA suspend the Israel Football Association from European competitions. UN experts appealed to FIFA and UEFA to suspend Israel, citing a UN Commission of Inquiry report that said Israel had committed genocide; Israel denies that and called the report scandalous.

Parliamentary reaction

This week, motions tabled by Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats calling for the games to be cancelled and for government support were rejected. A government counter-motion stating the matter was for the FAI to decide was passed. Activists argued that moving the match abroad removes fans' right to protest.

What comes next

The Irish squad will now prepare for two games moved away from Dublin. Hungary is believed to be a leading candidate to host the neutral venues, though UEFA must still approve any particular location.

The Palestinian Football Association expressed appreciation for the FAI's principled positions in support of Palestinian rights and athletes.