Ireland‑Israel clash moved to Serbia behind closed doors

The Republic of Ireland will meet Israel behind closed doors at Serbia’s TSC Arena in Bačka Topola on 4 October, as confirmed by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). UEFA has approved the venue change after the FAI announced the match would be shifted from a neutral site.

The FAI confirmed on Monday that the Nations League fixture will be played without spectators in Serbia. The decision follows UEFA’s endorsement of the relocation to the TSC Arena.

Israel’s “home” game is scheduled for 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary. Both fixtures were moved after the FAI initially announced a neutral venue for the October match.

Activists have called for Ireland to boycott the games, citing the Gaza conflict. During a protest last month, fans threw tennis balls onto the pitch, echoing a similar disruption of a home friendly against Qatar. In that earlier incident, the tennis balls bore “Stop the Game” messages.

The FAI rejected boycott calls, warning that a withdrawal could jeopardise Ireland’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2028, which the nation will co‑host with Britain. In a statement the association said, “Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.” The federation also disclosed that it had previously urged UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association because of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.

The statement added gratitude to An Garda Síochana for its support and noted that the FAI Board, with UEFA’s backing, deemed the neutral venue appropriate. Neither Ireland nor Israel qualified for the ongoing 2026 World Cup, and automatic qualification for Euro 2028 hosts is no longer guaranteed, meaning Ireland must navigate the qualification process alongside England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.