Decision made on Ireland v Israel UEFA Nations League match

The controversy continues

The Irish Examiner have said that government sources revealed to them that the game, scheduled for 1 October, will be held at the Aviva Stadium, with the FAI due to make an official announcement today.

It had previously been understood that the game would be played outside of Ireland, due to safety concerns from the Gardaí over backlash to Israel because of its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Minister for Sport Patrick O'Donovan stated this week that Ireland should fulfil their fixture against Israel after calls for a boycott.

He said: “The big losers if Ireland did not fulfill their obligation to play Israel would be the Republic of Ireland.

"Nobody would want to see young Irish lads who are currently doing so well being penalised because of a political row that they have absolutely nothing to do with.”

“I don’t think anybody in Ireland has a bone to pick with the Israeli soccer team. Yes there is a bone to pick with the Israeli government but I think the two need to be separated and I think most people can separate the two out to be quite honest about it.

"There’s a governing entity over football in Europe, UEFA, who have made the decision with regards to Israel’s participation, and the FAI have also made a decision, as a governing authority here in Ireland, with regards to Ireland’s participation [in the game.]”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has previously shared similar sentiments, saying: "It should go ahead, and I think the FAI has taken the correct decision to fulfil the fixture.

"We hope Ireland does well in the competition. There is a rejuvenation of a nation, a journey ahead for that Irish team. They have been doing very well so far, and we wish them well."