Ireland warned of huge punishment for wider sport if Israel game had been boycotted

Earlier on Friday, the FAI confirmed the fixture will take place. However, the controversial match will be played behind closed doors.

While still being listed as a 'home game' for Ireland, the game will take place overseas.

This comes after debates surrounding if the game should be even played at all.

Throughout the week, a number of motions were placed in the dáil by opposition parties.

In particular, Sinn Féin called on the government to boycott the October 4th fixture.

The Social Democrat party have also called on the government for action, suggesting Israel should be banned from international sport.

Campaign groups like 'Stop The Game' have also taken action against the Nations League game with a protest against Qatar in Ireland's most recent Aviva outing.

Minister of state for Sport, Charlie McConalague, issued a stark rebuttal when asked why the men's football team have to bare the burden of facing Israel while his colleague, Patrick O'Donovan refuses to attend.

“It’s UEFA at a European level, and FIFA at the world level, who decide and make policy decisions in relation to whether or not teams and countries participate in competition.”

“It would ultimately mean Irish athletes would not participate in international sports competitions in which Israel is also participating.

“For example, this would ultimately mean we would not be in a position to have any athletes participating in the next LA Olympics.”