The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland’s home Nations League match against Israel later this year will be played at a neutral venue.
The governing body said its board had held meetings in recent weeks to discuss the “operational aspects” of hosting Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on 4 October. Following those discussions, the fixture will not take place in the Irish capital.
FAI confirms change for 4 October fixture
The decision means the Republic of Ireland will not host Israel at the Aviva Stadium as originally planned. The FAI has not yet announced the neutral venue that will be used for the match, but the change confirms that the game will be staged away from Dublin.
The fixture is part of the Nations League schedule and remains one of the Republic of Ireland’s home matches later this year. The FAI’s statement focused on the practical arrangements around the game, with the board examining how the match could be hosted before settling on a neutral location.
What the FAI said about hosting Israel
In confirming the move, the FAI said its board had considered the “operational aspects” of hosting Israel in Dublin. That wording indicates the decision was driven by logistical planning around the fixture rather than a change to the match itself.
The Republic of Ireland men’s team will still play Israel on 4 October, but the venue will now be away from the Aviva Stadium. Further details on the neutral ground are expected to follow.
The announcement adds another layer of uncertainty to the build-up to the Nations League clash, with supporters now waiting for confirmation of where the fixture will be staged.
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