FAI weighs up venue for Israel clash following Nations League draw

February 17 – The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is still weighing up the venue for the UEFA Nations League match against Israel in October. Meanwhile, the Israel Football Association (IFA) wants to stage international fixtures at home again.  

Last week’s Nations League draw paired Ireland and Israel in League B, prompting a scramble over the venues for the double header because of political and security considerations.  

The teams are due to play home and away in the Nations League in late September and early October. Israel’s war in Gaza has caused political upheaval and public resentment in Ireland. 

Following the draw last week, the FAI said it would fulfil the fixture but refrained from clarifying whether Ireland would host Israel in the Irish capital or at a neutral venue. The government holds the view that the fixture is a matter for the FAI to decide.  

Ireland minister’s of state said Timmy Dooley said the game should go ahead in Dublin. He said: “I think it’s a challenge for the FAI for sure, but I think the game should go ahead.”  

Dooley added: “The gardaí will rightly identify the security issues in relation to any event but I think as a State, we should be capable of providing that level of security.”  

Senior figures in the government had previously said that the home fixture – to be played in October – would be played at a neutral venue. By contrast, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald wants the FAI to “give Israel the red card” and not fulfil its fixtures against them. Last year, Ireland pushed for a motion at UEFA to suspend Israel.  

Israel have played all their matches away from home since October 2023, but they now seem intent on staging international fixtures at home once more. “We certainly hope that the end of the war … will allow the games to be returned to Israel as soon as possible,” said an IFA spokesperson. “We’re hoping to welcome Ireland to a sea of blue and white in a packed stadium.” 

UEFA have indicated international football won’t return to Israel because of the security situation. Israel have played their international fixtures in Hungary. 

Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1771330431labto1771330431ofdlr1771330431owedi1771330431sni@i1771330431tnuk.1771330431ardni1771330431mas1771330431