Ireland squad to discuss Israel fixtures on Friday, says O'Shea

Republic of Ireland players will hold a squad discussion on Friday about their approach to the forthcoming Israel fixtures, Dara O'Shea has said. According to BBC Sport, the defender stressed that every player's views should be heard and respected, with the conversation taking place after Thursday's match against Kosovo.

Watch the highlights:

O'Shea said the squad had agreed earlier in the week to set aside time for an open discussion. Asked whether a boycott would be considered, he said the decision to play had been made by the Football Association of Ireland, UEFA and the government, rather than the players. He did not announce an agreed position on pre-match formalities.

The BBC reported that protesters gathered outside Ireland's team hotel in Dublin on Monday. An open letter issued by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group and signed by more than 160 Irish sportspeople had urged the FAI to withdraw from the matches because of the situation in Gaza. O'Shea described the circumstances facing the squad as difficult and unusual.

Both fixtures are scheduled for neutral venues. The FAI has confirmed that Israel's designated home match on September 27 will take place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. Ireland's return fixture on October 4 will be held at the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors. UEFA approved the relocation after the FAI cited operational challenges associated with staging the game in Ireland.

The association has also ruled out access for Ireland supporters at either match. In an August statement reported by RTE, it cited operational difficulties alongside safety and security concerns. A small allocation of Israel supporters will be accommodated in Debrecen, while the Serbia match will have no spectators. Those arrangements distinguish the two games despite both being played outside the participating countries.

In its June explanation of the decision to fulfil the fixtures, the FAI warned that forfeiting six points could bring Nations League relegation and weaken Ireland's Euro 2028 qualifying prospects. It also highlighted potential effects on rankings and services supporting Irish football. The association said its board remained committed to completing the scheduled Nations League programme.