Israel yet to decide if Ireland fans can attend Nations League fixture in Hungary

Israel's FA said a decision on the matter will be made this week

Ireland are set to face Israel at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary in the Nations League on September 27. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Israel have still to decide whether to allow away fans to attend their Uefa Nations League fixture against Ireland in Debrecen on September 27.

Despite being forced to host games in the neutral country of Hungary since the October 7, 2023 attacks, matches have been open to the public.

Italy’s 5-4 World Cup qualification win last November was watched by 2,540 fans.

The FAI in June decided to move their home game against the Israelis on October 4 out of Ireland due to fears of a bigger protest than the tennis-ball one that disrupted the friendly against Qatar in May. That game, moved to the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena in Bačka Topola in Serbia, will be played behind closed doors.

Israel's FA confirmed to the Irish Examiner that discussions are ongoing about the first meeting of the nations.

“An internal meeting will take place this week, during which a decision will be made on whether the match will be played behind closed doors or whether spectators will be allowed to attend,” said a spokesperson.

Shutting out fans would represent a change of policy by their federation but the threat of Irish fans instigating demonstrations against Israel's genocide in Palestine and Lebanon may influence their position.

They host Kosovo at the same venue four days later on October 1 but, like their third game against Austria on November 17, no restrictions on entry are anticipated.

The #StopTheGame campaign group remains steadfast in their determination for Ireland to boycott the fixtures against Israel.

They have arranged a press event for Thursday, where opponents such as ex-Ireland rugby and British and Irish Lions scrum-half John Robbie will outline the next steps in escalating their campaign.

The group also pledge to provide new information ‘including links between the FAI and Israel relevant to the current genocide in Gaza’.