The Irish federation confirmed that it received UEFA approval to move the October game. A location hasn\u2019t been announced. The teams will also meet on September 27 at a neutral site for Israel\u2019s \u201chome\u201d game.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium,\u201d it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\tBy signing up, you agree to the terms<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe Association understands and respects the views expressed by players and staff, supporters, its members, campaigners, members of the public and the Irish footballing community in relation to this fixture.\u201d<\/p>\n The federation reiterated its argument that boycotting the games could damage Ireland\u2019s chances of qualifying for the 2028 European Championship, which Ireland is co-hosting with Britain.<\/p>\n Forfeiting six points \u201ccould lead to relegation to League C in the UEFA Nations League and weaken our qualifying potential for (the Euros),\u201d it said.<\/p>\n Ireland is likely to qualify for Euro 2028, though, with two paths to the 24-team tournament.<\/p>\n \t The four host teams \u2014 England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales \u2014 will play in separate qualifying groups from which the top two teams in each will advance to Euro 2028. UEFA will keep two more entries for co-hosts which finish third or worse in their qualifying group.<\/p>\n The federation also said it has been in close contact with the Palestinian Football Association, which it said expressed its appreciation \u201cfor the principled positions taken by the Football Association of Ireland in support of the rights of the Palestinian people and Palestinian athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n Ireland\u2019s federation added that previously it had called on UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from UEFA competitions \u2014 in protest of Israel\u2019s military action in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war was sparked by the terrorist group\u2019s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.<\/p>\n Neither Ireland nor Israel qualified for the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tRepublic of Ireland\u2019s defender Seamus Coleman reacts as tennis balls with Palestinian flags on them are thrown onto the pitch during the international friendly soccer match between the Republic of Ireland and Qatar, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on May 28, 2026. (Paul Faith\/AFP)<\/p>\n
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