RTÉ has confirmed it will screen Ireland's home Nations League fixture with Israel, set to be played at the Aviva Stadium on October 4th, adding that it is legally obliged to do so. The broadcaster rejects the suggestion this is inconsistent with its decision, announced in December, to boycott the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, due to Israel's continued participation. "In essence, the decisions regarding participation by Ireland’s national soccer team in any tournament are the responsibility of the appropriate official national sporting body – in this case the FAI. Rejecting the comparison with Eurovision, O'Gorman added: "RTÉ’s decision in this case is different to RTÉ’s decision regarding the Eurovision Song Contest, which is owned and run by the EBU, for one main reason. "In Ireland, the responsibility obviously falls to RTÉ as Ireland’s national PSM, and a member of the EBU.

Source: Irish Examiner February 26, 2026 16:56 UTC