Irish court urges UEFA to suspend Israel, matches on neutral ground

In front of a crowd of Irish journalists, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said: “We do not play with genocide, we play against genocide. We play against Israel, not with Israel.” The two Nations League fixtures between Ireland and Israel risk being overshadowed by the political debate.

Request for suspension to UEFA

The Irish Football Association (FAI) has asked UEFA to suspend the Israeli national team and to eliminate future match‑ups between the two sides, but the request was not granted.

The double Nations League clash will be played on neutral ground: the first match is set for 27 September in Debrecen, while the return, scheduled for 4 October, will take place behind closed doors in Bačka Topola, Serbia.

Irish public broadcaster RTÉ has also opted for reduced coverage, with no studio, pundits or its own commentary, limiting the presence of commentators.

Heimir Hallgrimsson says focusing on Israel distracts from crucial Nations League clash

More than 160 Irish athletes have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the games, increasing pressure on the sports governing body.

The Israeli Football Association has described Hallgrimsson’s remarks as “stupid, ignorant and hypocritical” and is considering a formal complaint to UEFA, according to the Irish Times.

Ireland set Friday meeting to confront Israel game amid boycott

Meanwhile the FAI, which in July had approved a motion to play the matches, has cut back the national team’s media commitments for this international window, making the two games especially delicate on and off the pitch.