Israel to be designated home team in Debrecen; some supporters allowed to attend

Israel will be the designated home team when they meet the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen on 27 September, and Israel supporters will be in attendance for the fixture.

Both Group B3 matches between the sides will be staged at neutral venues amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Israel's home designation applies to the 27 September game in Debrecen, Hungary, while the reverse fixture will be played in Serbia on 4 October. The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed the 4 October match will be played entirely behind closed doors. No away fans will be facilitated for the ties.

Commenting on the arrangements, the FAI said: "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," said an FAI statement. It added: "The Israel Football Association have confirmed that a small allocation of its own supporters will be accommodated for their home game in Debrecen, Hungary."

The FAI has faced calls to boycott both games; in June it said a boycott would have "a profound impact on the whole of Irish football." Protests have taken place outside the Dail pressing for a boycott, and Irish Sport for Palestine has launched a 'Stop the Game' campaign.

The fixtures were moved to neutral venues against the backdrop of the wider conflict: the Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023 in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Since the start of the war, at least 73,377 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the UN.

A friendly with Qatar at the Aviva Stadium in May was twice disrupted when tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag were thrown on to the pitch. Coverage and comment around the Israel fixtures have included lines such as 'We shouldn't be in this position' on Israel games - Coleman and 'Players won't be stopped from taking stand' - Collins on Israel fixtures.

The confirmed next steps are the Nations League meeting in Debrecen on 27 September with Israel as the designated home side and the return match in Serbia on 4 October, which will be held behind closed doors.