Ireland–Israel match moved from Dublin to Serbia behind closed doors — Jerusalem Post
In Ireland, the football association asked for the national team’s home match against Israel to be moved from Dublin to a neutral venue due to operational difficulties. As the Jerusalem Post reports, UEFA approved the request: the game scheduled for October 4 is to take place in Serbia without spectators.
Before that, the teams are set to meet in a UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary.
The coach’s statement and a possible complaint
Ireland national team head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson called this period unusual and difficult in his career. According to the publication, at a press conference he said that the team is playing against genocide and against Israel.
The Israel Football Association is considering filing a complaint with UEFA over these remarks. The Jerusalem Post notes that Hallgrímsson opposes a boycott and wants both matches to take place.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Diplomatic background
The matches are taking place amid strained relations between Ireland and Israel. In May 2024, Ireland recognized the State of Palestine, explaining the decision as a desire to support a two-state solution to the conflict.
In December 2024, Ireland decided to join proceedings at the International Court of Justice in the case brought by South Africa against Israel under the Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide. Israel regarded this move as unacceptable, after which Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin. The Irish government rejected Israel’s accusations, saying its position was based on international law and human rights.
The columnist also notes that Ireland boycotted Eurovision 2026 because of Israel’s participation, while a law banning imports of goods from Israeli settlements was signed in July 2026 and entered into force in September. The first report on antisemitism by the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, released in March 2026, recorded 143 incidents over six months, including threats, intimidation, vandalism and cases of exclusion.
