No Tickets Distributed to Irish Soccer Fans for Controversy UEFA Nations League Match Against Israel
by Shiryn Ghermezian
Soccer Football – UEFA Nations League Draw – Brussels Expo, Brussels, Belgium – Feb. 12, 2026, General view during the draw. Photo: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed on Tuesday that no tickets will be sold to Republic of Ireland supporters for the team’s two upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel due to “operational challenges and safety and security concerns.”
Ireland’s away game against Israel will take place on Sept. 27 at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. The FAI confirmed in June that Ireland’s “home” game against Israel will take place behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia, on Oct. 4, with no fans in attendance. Israel has played all UEFA home matches abroad since the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack and the subsequent war in the Gaza Strip.
The FAI shared on Tuesday an update about the match in September, saying in a released statement that Israel will sell a small amount of tickets to its fans, likely because the match is considered their “home” game, while Irish soccer fans will not be allowed to attend at all.
“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 organization explained. “The Association appreciates the passion and commitment that Ireland supporters always show when following its teams around the world, but operational challenges and safety and 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.”
Since the fixtures were announced in February, anti-Israel activists have been pressuring Ireland to boycott the matches and not compete against Israel in protest of the country’s military actions and alleged “genocide” in Gaza. The FAI previously said Ireland risks facing “disciplinary measures” by the UEFA, which may include “potential disqualification” from the competition, if it does not compete in the two fixtures this fall.
Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he supports Ireland playing the two matches in September and October, while Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson admitted that he opposes the boycott but will respect the decision of any player who refused to participate in the matches.
