RTÉ to Broadcast Ireland–Israel Nations League Matches

RTÉ will broadcast the Republic of Ireland’s UEFA Nations League double-header against Israel, but viewers expecting the usual match-night production will get a very different experience.

Ireland face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September in the designated ‘away’ fixture, before the return ‘home’ game on 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia. RTÉ is contractually obliged to show both matches and has confirmed it will meet those requirements – and little more.

There will be no studio build-up, no half-time chat, no post-match panel. RTÉ will not provide its own commentator either, instead taking the international feed for match commentary.

Only a minimal technical crew will be sent to ensure the pictures go to air. The broadcaster has also decided against taking any advertising or sponsorship around either game.

While the live coverage will be pared back, RTÉ says there will be news reporting on the matches themselves and on the wider events surrounding them, on its bulletins and platforms.