# Neutral venues and no away fans: why Israel v Republic of Ireland is so contentious

https://mins.news/en/item/68982

- BBC News, 2026-09-22 13:16 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ckz7z5w7ey2jo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

> Israel and the Republic of Ireland will play their two Uefa Nations League fixtures at neutral venues in Hungary and Serbia, with no tickets for Irish fans and reduced television coverage. Ireland’s football association voted on whether to participate after calls for a boycott, amid opposition linked to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and strained relations between the countries.

## Related coverage

- [Why are Ireland vs Israel football matches so controversial?](https://mins.news/en/item/72532) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-24
- [Over 160 athletes sign letter urging boycott of Ireland-Israel football match](https://mins.news/en/item/68199) — TRT World, 2026-09-22