Ireland to play Israel on neutral ground behind closed doors after boycott calls

In partnership with

OffsAIde

·13 June 2026

Ireland to play Israel on neutral ground behind closed doors after boycott calls

Ireland’s Nations League home match against Israel on 4 October will be played behind closed doors at a neutral venue after protests and calls for a boycott.

Concerns over potential operational difficulties impacting the fixture mean it will not be staged at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Israel’s home leg on 27 September is also expected to be moved to a neutral venue, The Guardian reports.

OneFootball Videos

The switch follows pressure from players, supporters and local celebrities who had urged a boycott.

In its communication, the Irish federation also reiterated that the Palestinian Football Association had welcomed its principled positions supporting Palestinian rights and athletes.

The FAI had previously campaigned in November 2025 for Israel to be excluded from European competitions.

Source: L'Équipe