Republic of Ireland v Israel: FAI tight on neutral venue switch

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said it would “continue to meet to discuss the administrative aspects” of hosting Israel in the Nations League.

Monday, RTE reported, outsider The game, scheduled for Dublin on October 4, is set to be moved to a neutral venue pending UEFA approval – seven days after the teams meet at a neutral venue for Israel’s home Group B3 match.

The ongoing situation in the Middle East has led to several protests in the Republic of Ireland.

The ‘Stop the Game’ campaign was launched by pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine, when the May A 1-0 win over Qatar at the Aviva Stadium was interrupted twice When tennis balls bearing the Palestinian flag are thrown onto the field.

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath says he expects protests “The next few months will heat up” On the other hand, defender Seamus Coleman said the matter “We should have dealt with it above”.

In February, the The FAI has confirmed the team will complete the fixture As “UEFA regulations outline that if an association refuses to play a match that match will be forfeited and further disciplinary action may follow – including possible disqualification from the competition”.

An announcement on the matter was expected on Monday, but with the Republic of Ireland women’s Crunch World Cup qualifier against France in Grenoble on Tuesday, the FAI said it would “not release any statement on any decision on the matter until the board meeting scheduled for 11 June due to the very important game for our women’s national team on Tuesday”.

It increasingly looks like both games against Israel will now be played in neutral zones, with the FAI insisting its decision will not be influenced by outside opinion.

“The Association reiterates that it is the responsibility of the FAI’s Board to protect the future interests of football in Ireland,” the statement added.

“Any decision around the game is solely a matter of association.”