Fans to be allowed attend Ireland v Israel game in September

FAI chief executive officer David Courell, left, FAI President Paul Cooke and FAI independent chairperson Tony Keohane, right, during an FAI Extraordinary General Meeting at the Aviva Stadium. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Israel intend to open their Uefa Nations League fixture against Ireland in Debrecen on September 27 to supporters, raising fears of a protest by visiting fans.

The FAI in June chose to switch their home game against the Israelis on October 4 out of Ireland due to fears of an escalation on the tennis-ball protest that marred the friendly against Qatar in May.

Their game, moved to the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena in Bačka Topola in Serbia, will be played behind closed doors.

The Irish Examiner understands that Uefa were initially contacted jointly by the FAI and Israeli FA, requesting for both meetings to be held without fans.

However, no restrictions are planned by the Israeli FA for their three matches in the campaign against Ireland, Austria and Kosovo at the Nagyerdei Stadion, according to the home federation.

Since Uefa have forced Israel to host games in the neutral country of Hungary after the October 7, 2023 attacks, all are open to supporters.

The Israeli FA have confirmed to the Irish Examiner their position after initially admitting the matter was under review.

“In an internal meeting held last Wednesday in our offices: we decided that our home match against Ireland will be open for spectators,” read their statement.

It remains to be seen if the FAI offer an away allocation to their loyal supporter base that travel to away fixtures. They have been contacted for comment.

Last week, the group which organised the tennis ball protest, entitled Stop The Game campaign, outlined their determination to ensure neither game against Israel proceeds.