Will Dublin Host the Upcoming Republic of Ireland vs. Israel Match?

The Republic of Ireland's upcoming Nations League fixture against Israel on 4 October at Dublin's Aviva Stadium has garnered considerable attention due to security concerns. Despite initial reports suggesting a potential neutral venue, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that the match can proceed at the Aviva Stadium, following advice from the Gardaí (Irish police). This decision reflects the FAI's commitment to fulfilling its obligations while addressing the humanitarian implications of hosting the game.

Last updated: 4 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Republic of Ireland is set to host Israel at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on 4 October as part of the UEFA Nations League. This decision follows recent discussions about the safety of holding the match in light of ongoing security concerns related to the Israel-Palestine conflict. The FAI announced that the Gardaí determined the match could be staged safely, dispelling earlier speculations that it might be moved to a neutral venue following Belgium's similar decision to relocate their home match against Israel.

Key takeaways

The Republic of Ireland v Israel Nations League match will take place at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on 4 October.
The decision to host the match in Dublin was made after consultation with the Gardaí and legal advisors.
FAI President Paul Cooke emphasised the association's commitment to humanitarian support during the match.
Israel's home fixture against the Republic of Ireland is also scheduled for 27 September, with the venue yet to be confirmed.
The FAI has faced pressure to boycott games with Israel, especially following their motion urging UEFA to take action against the country.

Timeline: how we got here

Key dates leading to the upcoming match include:

7 October 2023: A Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in significant casualties.
12 February 2023: Nations League draw takes place; Republic of Ireland drawn to play Israel.
November 2025: FAI voted to submit a motion to UEFA urging a ban on Israel due to alleged violations related to the occupation of Palestinian territories.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The FAI's confirmation of the match venue at the Aviva Stadium is the most recent development, following concerns about security and potential neutral venues. The Gardaí's assurance of safety has allowed the match to proceed as scheduled.

What was already established

Prior to this announcement, there were discussions concerning the implications of hosting matches against Israel, particularly in light of the political and humanitarian context surrounding the conflict. The FAI had previously expressed its concerns regarding Israel's actions and the need for compliance with UEFA's statutes.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For many in the UK and Ireland, the match represents a complex intersection of sports and politics. While fans may be eager to attend, there are underlying tensions related to the ongoing conflict that could affect attendance and perceptions. Additionally, discussions around humanitarian support during the match may resonate with supporters.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses around the Aviva Stadium stand to benefit from the influx of fans attending the match. However, the political implications may also deter some visitors, impacting sales and service sectors reliant on game-day traffic.

Policy and regulation

The FAI's decision to go ahead with the match reflects ongoing discussions about the role of sports in political contexts. The association has had to balance its obligations to UEFA and the concerns of its stakeholders regarding Israel's actions.

Numbers that matter

1,200: Estimated fatalities due to the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.
71,820: Reported deaths in Gaza as a result of the subsequent military campaign, according to local health authorities.
2: Number of matches scheduled between the Republic of Ireland and Israel in the Nations League.
2025: Year the FAI voted to urge UEFA to ban Israel from competitions.
1: The number of return fixtures scheduled for 27 September, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

Definitions and jargon buster

FAI: Football Association of Ireland, the governing body for football in Ireland.
Gardaí: The national police service of Ireland.
Nations League: A UEFA competition for national teams to compete for qualification and promotion.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Immediate attention will be on the match itself and ensuring safety for attendees. Support for humanitarian efforts will be highlighted during the event, with further details expected from the FAI.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the situation in the region evolves, the FAI will likely continue to face pressure regarding their fixtures with Israel. Ongoing discussions with UEFA may influence future matches and the association's stance on international relations.

Signals to watch

Any changes in security assessments from Gardaí leading up to the match.
Official communications from the FAI regarding humanitarian efforts associated with the match.
Media coverage and public response to the fixture and its implications.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local businesses involved in the match-day activities.
Stay informed about any updates from the FAI regarding the match and associated events.
Consider the humanitarian aspects of the event and engage in any related initiatives.

Don’t

Ignore the broader political context surrounding the match.
Assume the event will be free from controversy given the current climate.
Disregard the importance of safety and security protocols in place.

Checklist

Check for updates on the match venue and security measures.
Review any available information about humanitarian efforts linked to the match.
Consider attending the match to support local businesses and engage with the community.
Stay aware of ongoing developments related to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Engage with discussions surrounding the implications of sports on international relations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The situation in the region remains fluid, and ongoing violence could impact public sentiment and participation in the match. Additionally, any future developments in the Israel-Palestine conflict could lead to calls for boycotts or further discussions about the implications of hosting such fixtures. The FAI's actions and decisions will be closely scrutinised, and the association may face backlash from various stakeholders regardless of the outcomes.

Bottom line

The scheduled Nations League match between the Republic of Ireland and Israel on 4 October at the Aviva Stadium highlights the complexities of hosting sporting events amidst political tensions. The FAI's commitment to safety and humanitarian support reflects a broader awareness of the implications of international relations within sports. As the situation evolves, stakeholders will need to navigate these challenges carefully.

FAQs

Why is the match being held at the Aviva Stadium?

The match is being held at the Aviva Stadium as the Gardaí have confirmed that it can be staged safely, despite previous concerns about security and the potential for a neutral venue.

What humanitarian efforts will be supported during the match?

The FAI plans to use the home fixture as an opportunity to provide tangible support for humanitarian efforts assisting civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. Further details are expected closer to the match date.

What is the significance of the FAI's motion against Israel?

The FAI's motion urging UEFA to ban Israel from competitions reflects concerns about violations of UEFA statutes, particularly related to the occupation of Palestinian territories and issues of racism within Israeli football.