RTÉ to Air Ireland–Israel UEFA Nations League Matches

RTÉ will air the Republic of Ireland’s two UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, but with the most stripped-back coverage viewers are likely to see for a competitive international.

The broadcaster has confirmed it will meet its contractual obligations to show both matches, yet there will be no studio show, no RTÉ commentary team and no punditry.

Ireland face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September in what is officially the ‘away’ leg, before the return ‘home’ fixture in Backa Topola, Serbia, on 4 October.

Instead of the usual full production, RTÉ will take the world feed commentary, meaning the voice on the game will come from the international host broadcaster rather than an RTÉ commentator. Only a minimal technical crew will be sent to ensure the pictures reach Irish screens.

There will be no panel, no analysis segment and no studio build-up or reaction wrapped around the live action. RTÉ has also confirmed it has not taken any advertising or sponsorship around either game.

News coverage will continue, both on the matches themselves and on the wider events surrounding them, but for these two Nations League ties, viewers will get the game – and little else.