Archive · 25 Sep 2026
Ireland’s Knight Says Israel Nations League Match Should Not Proceed
Ireland is due to play Israel in a football match on Sunday.
The game will happen in Debrecen, Hungary, which is not in either team’s home country.
Ireland midfielder Jason Knight said he does not think the match should go ahead.
Some people have called for Ireland to boycott the game.
The Football Association of Ireland did not take its ticket allocation, so Irish fans will not receive tickets.
Ireland’s manager said some players feel uncomfortable about playing these matches.
The teams are also scheduled to play again on October 4 in Serbia.
Ireland has supported the Palestinian cause, while Israel rejects allegations that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide.
Ireland midfielder Jason Knight said the Nations League match against Israel should not be played.
The fixture is scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, despite calls for an Irish boycott.
The Football Association of Ireland declined its ticket allocation, meaning Irish supporters will not receive tickets.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said some players feel uncomfortable participating in the Israel matches.
Ireland and Israel are scheduled to meet again on October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia.
- Who
- Ireland midfielder Jason Knight, the Ireland team, Israel, and the Football Association of Ireland are involved.
- What
- Knight opposed playing the Nations League match against Israel, which is still scheduled to proceed.
- When
- The match is scheduled for Sunday, with another meeting planned for October 4.
- Where
- The first match will be played in Debrecen, Hungary; the second is scheduled for Backa Topola, Serbia.
- Why
- The fixture has drawn criticism and boycott calls amid Ireland’s support for the Palestinian cause and criticism of Israel over the Gaza conflict.
Boycott and postponement supporters
Match proceeds as scheduled
Whether the fixture should be played
Boycott and postponement supporters
Jason Knight said he does not think the match should go ahead, while calls have been made for Ireland to boycott it.
Match proceeds as scheduled
The match is scheduled to proceed in Debrecen, and Ireland is preparing to focus on playing the football.
Political context
Boycott and postponement supporters
Ireland has repeatedly criticised Israel over the Gaza conflict and has formally recognised a Palestinian state.
Match proceeds as scheduled
Israel strongly rejects allegations that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide.
- First match
- Ireland versus Israel in the Nations League on Sunday
- Venue
- Debrecen, Hungary
- Irish tickets
- No tickets will be made available to Irish supporters
- Ticket decision
- The Football Association of Ireland declined its allocation
- Second match
- Scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia
- Player position
- Jason Knight said the first match should not be played
- Israel’s position
- Israel rejects allegations that its conduct in Gaza amounts to genocide