FAI 'will not facilitate' Ireland fans to attend Israel game in September

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.

The fixture comes just four days after Ireland open their Nations League campaign with their first-ever meeting against Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday, September 24.

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.

And the FAI have confirmed in a statement that they will not be offering an away allocation to their loyal supporter base that travel to away fixtures.

"The Football Association of Ireland confirms that it will not facilitate in-stadium access to Ireland supporters for either of its 2026-27 Uefa Nations League fixtures with Israel.

"The Association appreciates the passion and commitment that Ireland supporters always show when following its teams around the world, but operational challenges and safety & security concerns led to this decision being made.

"The Israel Football Association have confirmed that a small allocation of its own supporters will be accommodated for their home game in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday, September 27th.

"The second game in Group B3 between the teams will take place in Bačka Topola, Serbia on Sunday, October 4th. This will be played behind closed doors."

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