An elite-level European football match scheduled for Sunday has become one of the most contentious fixtures in football, played at a neutral stadium with no 'away' fans and stripped-back television coverage. The Republic of Ireland's 'away' match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary — and a 'home' match in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October — are the result of Israel being unable to play on home soil for three years, since the beginning of the Gaza war. No tickets have been sold to Irish fans for either fixture, and Irish public broadcaster RTE will air a version of match coverage with no commentators, pundits, or half-time analysis.
That the matches are even taking place had been in doubt. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) faced calls to boycott the fixtures after the Nations League draw in February placed the Republic of Ireland with Israel, Austria, and Kosovo. A motion to confirm participation was put to a vote amid significant opposition from fans, pundits, and politicians. The vote confirmed the fixture would go ahead, but the backdrop remains an increasingly volatile disagreement between the two countries about Israel's offensive in Gaza.
Israel have used Hungary as a home base for 10 fixtures since the start of the war. The Republic of Ireland's 'home' match against Israel will take place in Backa Topola, a small town in Serbia.