The Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) General Assembly has approved a motion for the Republic of Ireland to proceed with their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel. This decision came during an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, with the motion passing by a vote of 75 to 32 from 114 members present, alongside three abstentions.

The motion stated:

While acknowledging the strength of feeling regarding support for Palestine and the upcoming Uefa Men's Nations League fixtures, that the members recognise the profound impact that any non-fulfilment of Uefa fixtures would have on Irish football as a whole and on its future development.

Despite the contentious atmosphere, the EGM’s outcome is non-binding on the FAI executive. The FAI expressed that the motion's passing gives the board the backing needed to continue making decisions in the interest of Irish football. The association stated it respects the diverse views within its community concerning the upcoming fixtures.

The FAI has previously warned that boycotting the games against Israel could lead to "significant and lasting harm" to Irish football, including a potential loss of 10.3 million euros (£9 million). Following the Nations League draw in February, FAI chief executive David Courell asserted that the governing body had "no choice" but to fulfill these fixtures, highlighting the serious consequences of withdrawal.

Protests against the matches have intensified, with demonstrators gathering outside the Aviva during the EGM. Earlier this year, protests also occurred outside the Dail (Irish parliament), and a friendly against Qatar was disrupted by tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag.

Both games against Israel are set to take place at neutral venues: Debrecen in Hungary will host Israel's match on 27 October, while the Republic of Ireland's home match is scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia, due to operational issues in Dublin.

This decision comes amid heightened tensions following the October 7 attack by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties in Israel and Gaza, further complicating the context of these fixtures.