The Republic of Ireland will host Israel at the Aviva Stadium in the Nations League tie on October 4th.
David Courell, the FAI chief executive, confirmed the decision after security concerns around hosting the fixture were allayed by An Garda Síochána.
“An Garda Síochána have been very clear that it can be held in a safe and security environment at the Aviva Stadium,” said Courell. “The Garda track record is strong. If they can deliver the game in a safe and secure manner. Who am I to challenge that?”
Israel have played their ‘home’ matches in Hungary since November 2023 while in September 2024 Belgium switched a Nations League game from Brussels to Debrecen in Hungary due to security concerns.
“From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences” said Paul Cooke, the FAI president, in a letter to General Assembly members. “It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would damage our seeding for Euro 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking. Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.
“Our decision is not financially motivated. However, there would also be significant financial and regulatory consequences were we to refuse to fulfil the fixtures. The Board cannot act in a manner that would place the Association or its directors in breach of their legal duties or expose the FAI to severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions.”
– More to follow