BBC Sport explores the backdrop to the Republic of Ireland's matches against Israel, amid fraught tensions between the nations.
BBC Sport explores the backdrop to the Republic of Ireland's matches against Israel, amid fraught tensions between the nations.
An elite-level European football match will be played on Sunday at a neutral stadium, with no 'away' fans, and reduced television coverage.
That the match is even taking place had been in doubt - one side had to vote on a motion confirming whether or not they would participate amid significant opposition from fans, pundits and politicians.
But the vote confirmed the fixture would go ahead, and now the Republic of Ireland will travel to Debrecen, Hungary, for a Uefa Nations League 'away' match against Israel, played against a backdrop of ongoing and increasingly volatile disagreement between the two countries about Israel's military offensive in Gaza.
And on 4 October, the Republic will face the same opponents in a 'home' match in Backa Topola - a small town in Serbia.
No tickets have been sold to Irish fans for either fixture, and Irish public broadcaster RTE will air a stripped-back version of match coverage, with no commentators, pundits, or half-time analysis.
So how did a Uefa Nations League match become one of the most contentious fixtures in football?
Hungary has been deemed a suitable host nation for Israel matches because the two nations enjoy stronger diplomatic ties than those between Israel and many other European nations, and it has been willing to provide the necessary policing and security arrangements for matches to operate smoothly.
The FAI decided in the summer to play its 'home' fixture against Israel at a neutral stadium, citing "operational challenges that could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil".
Reports have claimed the FAI was concerned protests could prevent the match from taking place in Dublin.
Averytin News Soccer update.