Israel fans can attend Republic of Ireland fixture

What the report says

Israel supporters will be allowed to attend their national team’s Nations League match against the Republic of Ireland next month, but visiting Irish fans will not be admitted. The BBC Sport Football report says both fixtures in Group B3 will be played at neutral venues because of the conflict in the Middle East, with Israel designated as the home side for the first meeting.

That game is scheduled for 27 September at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, where only a small allocation of Israel supporters will be accommodated. The reverse fixture, set for 4 October in Serbia, will be played behind closed doors, according to the Football Association of Ireland.

The FAI said the decision was driven by operational difficulties, as well as safety and security concerns. It also noted that while supporters usually travel widely with the team, those circumstances made attendance impractical for the away match. The Israel Football Association said it could provide only a limited number of places for its own fans in Debrecen.

The arrangement comes after calls to boycott the games and protests in Ireland over the wider war. BBC Sport also noted that the FAI previously said a boycott would have a significant effect on Irish football. The situation reflects how the conflict has affected international sport, with matches involving Israel increasingly being moved to neutral venues or restricted for security reasons.