'Home' fixture against Israel to be played overseas behind closed doors
Ireland's game against Israel will not now be played in Dublin, but at a neutral venue overseas and behind closed doors.
In a statement this morning, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that UEFA has approved the request to move the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixture.
The statement said the the FAI was of the view that "operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil".
The FAI thanked An Garda Síochana for their support and advice over recent months and stated that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of UEFA.
The statement continued: "The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture."
It went on to outline communications with the Palestinian Football Association regarding the fulfilment of the fixtures and they have shared the following statement: “The Palestinian Football Association expresses its appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes. The Palestinian Football Association also affirms its respect for the decision made by the Football Association of Ireland within the framework of its sporting and international obligations, in a manner that enables it to continue fulfilling its noble mission of serving football and promoting the values of justice, solidarity, and mutual respect.”
The FAI said it was "deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza".
It said it continued to "reflect the sentiment" of the motion that passed at the FAI General Assembly in November 2025, requesting the UEFA Executive Committee fto immediately suspend Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions for a breach of UEFA statutes.
"While the Association submitted that motion to UEFA and has consulted with UEFA officials for almost two years on this issue, it does recognise that the UEFA competition rules and regulations that the Association agreed to. These outline that if an association refuses to play a match then that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition," it added.
The FAI statement went on to outline the results of a decision not to fulfil fixtures, including the forfeiture of six points (which could lead to relegation to League C in the UEFA Nations League and weaken Ireland's qualifying potential for UEFA EURO 2028).
The statement said this would have a "direct impact on Ireland’s UEFA and FIFA rankings (which would affect future qualification to UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups).".
And it added that the converse of these impacts would apply to Israel, which would see its prospects of promotion in the UEFA Nations League and qualification to UEFA EURO 2028 increase.
The FAI said: "Beyond the sporting implications, there would be broader consequences for Irish football, such as reduced capacity to support clubs and leagues through critical services such as safeguarding, educational programmes, and player development opportunities. Also, the impact on Ireland international teams could result in the withdrawal of underage teams and a reduction in the level of support and services provided to players & staff."
The FAI said it would engage with its members at a forthcoming Extraordinary General Meeting, but reminds its members that it is the responsibility of the FAI Board to protect the future interests of football in Ireland and, therefore, remains committed to fulfilling each of its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The FAI Board said while the decision to fulfil this fixture back affects many stakeholders, it asked for consideration to be given to players and staff.