DUBLIN (AP) – The Irish Football Federation announced Friday that the Nations League home game between Ireland and Israel will be played on neutral ground and without fans in attendance.
Facing calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists, the Irish Football Association said the October 4 match, originally scheduled for the Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital, would pose “administrative challenges”.
Irish activists at a recent home friendly against Qatar threw a tennis ball onto the pitch Under protest. The message “Stop the game” was written on the ball, a nod to the Nations League match. Israel.
The Irish Federation has confirmed that it has received UEFA’s approval for changes to the October fixtures. The location has not been announced. The two teams are scheduled to meet on September 27th at a neutral site for a “home” game in Israel.
“Following consultation with various stakeholders, the association has taken the view that operational issues may impact on the ability of the match to be played at home, and the match will therefore be played away from the Aviva Stadium,” the association said in a statement.
“The Association understands and respects the views expressed by players, staff, supporters, members, campaigners, the public and the Irish football community regarding this match.”
The federation reiterated its claim that boycotting the match could damage Ireland’s chances of qualifying. 2028 European ChampionshipIreland is co-hosting with the UK.
If they are deprived of the six points, “it could lead to relegation to League C of the UEFA Nations League and weaken their chances of participating in the Euros.”
However, Ireland are likely to qualify for Euro 2028. Two paths to the 24-team tournament.
The four hosts – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – will play in separate qualifying groups, with the top two teams from each advancing to Euro 2028. UEFA will leave two more entries open for co-hosting teams that finish third or lower in their qualifying groups.
The federation also said it was in close contact with the Palestinian Football Association and expressed its appreciation for the “principled stand taken by the Irish Football Association in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian players.”
The Irish federation added that it had previously called on UEFA to suspend the Israeli Football Association from UEFA competitions in protest against the Israeli Football Association. military action in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war was sparked by the extremist group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Neither Ireland nor Israel were eligible. 2026 world cup.
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