RTÉ confirms scaled back coverage for Nations League matches against Israel

There will be no studio presentation, no punditry and commentary will be taken from the international feed

Ireland play Israel in the Nations League on September 27 and October 4. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Sat, 19 Sep, 2026 - 14:02

PJ Browne

RTÉ has confirmed that it will scale back its coverage of Ireland's two upcoming Nations League games against Israel.

The national broadcaster said it "will meet its contractual obligations" by showing the matches. Israel's home fixture will be played in Debrecen, Hungary on September 27 while Ireland's designated home match will be staged in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4.

There will be no studio presentation, no punditry and commentary will be taken from the international feed rather than being provided by an RTÉ commentator. A minimal technical team will be used for both games.

RTÉ also said that it has not accepted any advertising or sponsorship around either game.

In a statement, RTÉ added: "There will be news coverage of the games and the wider events surrounding them. These arrangements reflect RTÉ’s decision to fulfil its contractual broadcasting obligations while limiting the additional production and commercial activity associated with the fixtures."

The fixtures have been the subject of protests due to Israel's war in Gaza with calls for Ireland to boycott the matches coming from inside and outside the sport.

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