UEFA Approves Ireland-Israel Match Behind Closed Doors, Likely at Neutral Venue

UEFA has reportedly approved Ireland’s request to move its home match against Israel away from Ireland, with the game expected to be played at a neutral venue and without spectators. Irish media reported on Friday that the European governing body accepted the request, though the Irish federation still needs formal confirmation from UEFA.

The Irish Football Association had asked this week to relocate the match from Dublin after its board discussed the issue in a meeting last Friday. The main focus was the scheduled game at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on October 4, and a second meeting was held on Friday afternoon, when the decision was taken.

The federation said its board’s duty is “to protect the future interests of football in Ireland,” and that any decision about the match is “solely an association matter.” It also said Hungary is considered a reasonable option for hosting the fixture. The result would be an Ireland-Israel match played outside Ireland and behind closed doors.