Key Facts

• Ireland’s men’s soccer team is set to play Israel twice in UEFA Nations League qualifiers on Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 in Hungary and Serbia.
• Both games will happen without spectators in neutral countries because of protests in Ireland.
• Over 160 Irish athletes signed a letter urging their team to boycott the games against Israel.
• The Irish team coach made controversial remarks about the matches, which drew criticism from the Israeli Football Association.
• The Irish government has criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza and supports legal action accusing Israel of genocide.
• Israel closed its embassy in Dublin in late 2024 due to Ireland’s strong anti-Israel stance.
• The Irish Football Association voted to ask UEFA to suspend Israel from competitions but later confirmed the team will play as scheduled.
• UEFA is the organization that manages European soccer competitions.