Ireland intends to play second Israel fixture in Serbia

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said on Wednesday, September 30, that the team intends to play its second Nations League fixture against Israel in Serbia on Sunday, though the match has not yet taken place. His statement followed an earlier period of uncertainty within the squad and came amid public disagreement over the Football Association of Ireland’s handling of the fixtures. Hallgrimsson said the FAI had stated that both matches would be played and that fulfilling the second fixture remained the team’s intention. He said the players had not held another meeting about the return match and described the camp as difficult for the squad. The fixture, originally designated as a home game for Ireland, was moved to a neutral venue in Serbia and scheduled to be played behind closed doors. The FAI cited operational challenges, according to reports. Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in the first match, played in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, September 27. Before that game, Hallgrimsson had said the squad had not made a final decision on the second fixture and would discuss it after playing Austria.