UEFA Moves Ireland-Israel Match to Neutral Venue but Keeps Forfeit Penalty in Place

UEFA approved the Football Association of Ireland's request to move the Nations League match against Israel to a neutral venue behind closed doors. The fixture had been scheduled for the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on October 4. The Football Association of Ireland submitted the request after consultations with stakeholders.

It concluded that operational challenges could affect delivery of the game on home soil. The association acknowledged the strength of feeling among players, staff, supporters, members, campaigners and the wider Irish football community. It stated that it is deeply conscious of the suffering and devastation being endured by civilians in Gaza.

The Football Association of Ireland continues to pursue the suspension of the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions. A motion to seek that suspension was passed at the association's General Assembly the previous year. The association warned that refusal to fulfil the fixture would trigger an immediate six-point deduction in the Nations League.

Such a penalty could result in relegation to League C and damage Ireland's qualification prospects for Euro 2028. The association also noted that its UEFA and FIFA rankings would suffer, potentially affecting future bids for major tournaments. It said diminished capacity to deliver safeguarding programmes, educational initiatives and player development would follow.

The Palestinian Football Association expressed appreciation for the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes. UEFA announced the approval on Friday. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed the fixture will now take place overseas.