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SIPTU Stands with Workers as Ireland Moves Home Match Against Israel to Neutral Venue
SIPTU, Ireland’s largest trade union, has announced it will back members who refuse to assist in any way with the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel. The union said workers in broadcasting, transport and other affected industries should not be required to facilitate the match, which many believe would legitimize Israel.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that the home match scheduled for 4 October will be moved from Aviva Stadium in Dublin to an as‑yet unconfirmed neutral venue. The decision follows a board meeting that cited operational challenges at Aviva and the need to keep Ireland’s national team competitive. UEFA has approved the move, and the game will be played behind closed doors at an overseas venue.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis said the relocation does not resolve the underlying issue. “Moving these fixtures from Dublin to a neutral venue behind closed doors does not resolve the issue,” Ennis said. “It merely moves the Palestinian picket line out of sight.” He added, “Our position is clear: don’t pass that picket line in Dublin, in Hungary or anywhere else.”
The union’s statement follows a broader debate in Ireland over the political implications of hosting a match against Israel. The FAI’s decision to play the game without fans and at a neutral location was presented as a compromise that balances differing viewpoints while allowing the national team to compete. The match is part of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, a competition that replaces friendlies with competitive fixtures among European national teams.
SIPTU said it will lead discussions with other unions to ensure a united front of support for members who stand against the fixtures. The union, which traces its roots to the 1990 merger of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union and the Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland, has about 200,000 members and is headquartered at Liberty Hall in Dublin. It is affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
The FAI’s move to a neutral venue also applies to the 27 September match, which will likewise be played overseas without spectators. The decision was announced on 12 June 2026, after the FAI board met to discuss operational challenges and the potential for serious problems at home. While the neutral venue has not yet been named, the FAI stated that the approach would reduce the risk of disruptions and allow the Republic of Ireland to maintain its competitive schedule.
In summary, SIPTU has pledged to back workers who refuse to facilitate the Israel match, citing moral and political concerns. The FAI has relocated the 4 October fixture to a neutral, fan‑free venue, a move approved by UEFA. SIPTU will coordinate with other unions to present a unified stance, while the Republic of Ireland’s national team will play the match overseas without spectators.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that the home match scheduled for 4 October will be moved from Aviva Stadium in Dublin to an as‑yet unconfirmed neutral venue. The decision follows a board meeting that cited operational challenges at Aviva and the need to keep Ireland’s national team competitive. UEFA has approved the move, and the game will be played behind closed doors at an overseas venue.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis said the relocation does not resolve the underlying issue. “Moving these fixtures from Dublin to a neutral venue behind closed doors does not resolve the issue,” Ennis said. “It merely moves the Palestinian picket line out of sight.” He added, “Our position is clear: don’t pass that picket line in Dublin, in Hungary or anywhere else.”
The union’s statement follows a broader debate in Ireland over the political implications of hosting a match against Israel. The FAI’s decision to play the game without fans and at a neutral location was presented as a compromise that balances differing viewpoints while allowing the national team to compete. The match is part of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, a competition that replaces friendlies with competitive fixtures among European national teams.
SIPTU said it will lead discussions with other unions to ensure a united front of support for members who stand against the fixtures. The union, which traces its roots to the 1990 merger of the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union and the Federated Workers’ Union of Ireland, has about 200,000 members and is headquartered at Liberty Hall in Dublin. It is affiliated to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
The FAI’s move to a neutral venue also applies to the 27 September match, which will likewise be played overseas without spectators. The decision was announced on 12 June 2026, after the FAI board met to discuss operational challenges and the potential for serious problems at home. While the neutral venue has not yet been named, the FAI stated that the approach would reduce the risk of disruptions and allow the Republic of Ireland to maintain its competitive schedule.
In summary, SIPTU has pledged to back workers who refuse to facilitate the Israel match, citing moral and political concerns. The FAI has relocated the 4 October fixture to a neutral, fan‑free venue, a move approved by UEFA. SIPTU will coordinate with other unions to present a unified stance, while the Republic of Ireland’s national team will play the match overseas without spectators.
