The Irish broadcaster has released a statement concerning the match
RTÉ has said it will broadcast the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming Nations League match against Israel if the game goes ahead, stressing that the decision to play rests with the sport’s governing body.
In a statement, the broadcaster said participation in the fixture is a matter for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), as the relevant national authority for football. Should the FAI decide that the match will proceed, RTÉ said it is contractually and legally obliged to air it, in line with its commitment to covering Ireland’s national teams.
The broadcaster drew a distinction between this situation and its previous position regarding the Eurovision Song Contest, which is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
RTÉ noted that, in the case of Eurovision, national public service broadcasters are responsible for selecting their country’s entry and deciding whether to participate. As Ireland’s national public service media organisation and an EBU member, RTÉ said it therefore has direct control over both participation and broadcast decisions relating to the contest.
By contrast, decisions about Ireland’s involvement in international football competitions fall under the remit of the FAI. Broadcast arrangements, RTÉ said, follow from those sporting decisions.
The Nations League fixture forms part of UEFA’s international competition calendar, with participating teams determined by their national associations.