Irish, Israeli soccer teams to play at neutral sites after calls to boycott the matches |
Ireland’s home game against Israel in the Nations League will be played at a neutral site and behind closed doors, the Irish soccer federation confirmed Friday.
The Football Association of Ireland, which faced calls by pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activists for a boycott, said the October 4 game originally scheduled for Aviva Stadium in the Irish capital posed “operational challenges.”
At a recent home friendly against Qatar, Irish activists hurled tennis balls onto the pitch in protest. The balls had “Stop the Game” messages on them, referring to the Nations League matches against Israel.
The Irish federation confirmed that it received UEFA approval to move the October game. A location hasn’t been announced. The teams will also meet on September 27 at a neutral site for Israel’s “home” game.
“Following 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,” it said in a statement.
“The 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........