Israel v Ireland: Boycott calls, protests and the Nations League dispute explained

The Ireland national team is set to play two UEFA Nations League games against Israel in the wake of a heated debate and public dissent. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed his distaste for the Israeli national side, calling it "playing against genocide." In response, Israel's football association accused Hallgrimsson of "ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity."

The first fixture is scheduled for Sunday, with Israel designated as the home team, but the match will be played in Debrecen, Hungary, as Israel is barred from hosting games. The return fixture on October 4 will also be played at a neutral venue in Backa Topola, Serbia, after the FAI requested UEFA to move the match due to security concerns.

Both matches will be played behind closed doors without spectators. The FAI's decision to keep the teams together in group B3 drew criticism, leading to calls for a boycott in Ireland, where public sentiment is strongly pro-Palestine. Over 160 Irish athletes and public figures signed a letter urging the team to boycott the games, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr, Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea and Roberto Pico Lopes also joined the protest. The Irish broadcaster RTE has reduced its coverage of the games, opting not to sell advertising or sponsorship, and the FAI is scaling back its presence as well.