Lifestyle & Sports
05 Aug 26

People Before Profit on the FAI's decision not to allow Ireland fans into Israel V Ireland fixture: "It's time to end the sportswashing of Israel's crimes and call the game off"

The FAI previously said boycotting the games would lead to a potential loss of €10.3 million, warranting backlash from activists calling for the games to be cancelled.

The FAI have confirmed that no tickets will be sold to Republic of Ireland supporters for the UEFA Nations League fixtures with Israel.

Both games between the sides will be played at neutral venues, with Israel the designated home team at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, where a "small allocation" of their supporters will be permitted to attend.

The reverse fixtures will be played in Serbia, with the FAI confirming that the October 4 game will be played entirely behind closed doors.

"The Football Association of Ireland confirms that it will not facilitate in-stadium access to Ireland supporters for either of its 2026-27 UEFA Nations League Fixtures with Israel," read a statement from the organisers.

"The Association appreciates the passion and commitment that Ireland supporters always show when following its teams around the world, but operational challenges and safety and security concerns led to this decision being made."

The Israel Football Association have confirmed that a small allocation of its own supporters "will be accommodated" for their home game.

The decision to fulfil the fixtures without Ireland supporters in attendance has generated opposition and protest.

"If they don't trust fans to attend without protesting, what does that say about staging the match in the first place?" stated People Before Profit on their social media.

"The Israeli national team represents a state that has killed 568 Palestinian footballers since 2023. If our players have made clear they want the game to be stopped, if supporters oppose it, and if Irish society increasingly rejects complicity with apartheid and genocide, then the answer is clear: this match should not go ahead. Whether behind closed doors or not.

It's time to end the sportswashing of Israel's crimes and call the game off."

The fixture will come just four days after Ireland open their Nations League campaign with their first-ever meeting against Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday, September 24.