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THE ISRAEL FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION says the country has no issue travelling to Dublin for their Uefa Nations League clash with Ireland later this year.
Uefa confirmed the fixture schedule this morning, with Ireland due to host Israel on 4 October.
Israel’s home tie against Ireland is listed for 27 September, with the Israel FA hopeful that they can return to playing matches in Israel “as soon as possible”.
Since October 2023, their ‘home’ matches have been held at a neutral venue, with Hungary hosting their World Cup qualifiers last year.
“We are very happy with the draw and are only concerned with its professional aspects,” a spokesperson for the Israel FA told The 42.
“They are challenging enough.
“The decision on where Ireland will host its games is its own alone. We have no concerns about arriving in Dublin.”
Heimir Hallgrímsson’s team will begin their Group B3 campaign away to Kosovo on Thursday 24 September before travelling to face Israel three days later.
Ireland’s first home game is against Austria on Thursday 1 October followed by their home game against Israel on 4 October.
The Boys in Green will conclude their campaign with two fixtures in November — travelling to face Austria on the 14th before hosting Kosovo on the 17th.
All games are due to take place at 7.45pm Irish time.
The venues have yet to be announced and can be confirmed up to 120 days in advance of the game.
The FAI confirmed on Thursday that they would be fulfilling the fixtures with Israel despite calls for a boycott.
Written by Paul Fennessy and originally published on The 42 whose award-winning team produces original content that you won’t find anywhere else: on GAA, League of Ireland, women’s sport and boxing, as well as our game-changing rugby coverage, all with an Irish eye. Subscribe here.
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