Scotland to play Israel behind closed doors in Hungary

Breaking news from the world of sport: Scotland to play Israel behind closed doors in Hungary Image source, SNSImage caption, Scotland faced Israel in Euro 2025 qualifying behind closed doorsByAmy CanavanBBC Sport ScotlandPublished20 minutes agoScotland's Women's World Cup qualifying double-header against Israel next month will be played behind closed doors at a neutral stadium in Hungary. Melissa Andreatta's side will complete their Group B4 campaign with both the 'home' and 'away' tie against the Israelis at the Bozsik Arena in Budapest. The Scots - who are unbeaten, top of the group on goal difference and have their place in the play-offs later this year secured - will first play on Friday, 5 June at 17:00 BST before their final group game on Tuesday, 9 June at 18:00.

Why are both games in Hungary? European football's governing body, Uefa, have deemed no matches in its competitions can be held in Israel for security reasons. As a result, Hungary has mostly been the home of both Israel's men's and women's football teams - when the Scots faced Israel in Euro 2025 qualifying, they won 5-0 in Budapest.

Match Details

The reverse fixture was played at Hampden - which the Scots won 4-1 - behind closed doors, but kick-off was delayed as a protester chained himself to a goalpost. Republic of Ireland will fulfil Israel games - FAI Published13 FebruaryMcClean criticises FAI 'backbone' over Israel games Published4 days agoThe Scottish FA has not explained why the 'home' game is not in Scotland, other than to say that "the decision to play both matches at a neutral venue... is in line with the other teams in Group B4".

Israel have played their four opening games - against Belgium and Luxembourg respectively - behind closed doors at the Budaorsi Stadion, where Scotland played in 2024. Next month, though, they will return to the Bozsik Arena where they faced Hungary in their round one play-off for Euro 2025. That was the third major tournament in a row Scotland failed to qualify for, with Australian Andreatta aiming to guide them to a first World Cup since 2019.

Did the Scottish FA consider boycotting? After the Republic of Ireland's men's team were drawn to play Israel in the Nations League this autumn, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) asked Uefa about what the sanctions for refusing to fulfil the fixtures would be. They were told that they could potentially be disqualified, so have opted to play the matches.

Reactions and Expectations

Subsequently, the FAI were accused by former international winger James McClean of not having a "backbone". The Scottish FA did not respond to fresh requests for comment on their decision to play the matches. But in a statement issued to the in November, they said that "to refuse to play would forfeit both matches and negatively impact the prospects of our women's national team".

They added: "The Scottish FA is acutely aware of the suffering and devastation experienced in Gaza.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.