RTÉ scales back coverage of Ireland-Israel Nations League ties

RTÉ will meet its broadcasting obligations for Ireland’s Nations League fixtures against Israel while sharply limiting its involvement in the coverage. The Irish public broadcaster will not provide its own commentators, studio programme or analysis for either match, and will not take advertising or sponsorship linked to the games.

The matches on 27 September and 4 October will still be shown through the international broadcast feed. Viewers will receive the pictures and commentary supplied for that feed rather than coverage produced by RTÉ’s own teams. The two fixtures are scheduled at neutral venues in Serbia and Hungary after the Football Association of Ireland’s efforts to prevent them from taking place received little backing.

RTÉ’s decision follows the wider Irish response to the war in Gaza. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson recently said the team was facing Israel rather than participating in what he described as genocide. Prime Minister Micheal Martin has also condemned the Israeli government’s actions in Palestine, saying Israel could no longer reject what the world knows.

The broadcaster said its limited approach allows it to honour its contractual duties while avoiding additional production and commercial activity around the fixtures. The matches will therefore remain available to viewers, but without the normal Irish presentation built around international games.