India, June 12 -- The Republic of Ireland's Nations League fixture with Israel on October 4 will be held behind closed doors at a neutral venue overseas, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced on Friday.

The FAI said that European football governing body UEFA had approved its request to hold the fixture abroad.

Several pro-Palestinian Irish politicians and football figures have urged the federation to withdraw from the ties -- there is also an away game in September -- over Israel's conduct during the war in Gaza.

Last month, home fans disrupted Ireland's friendly with World Cup participants Qatar in Dublin by throwing tennis balls onto the pitch in protest against the games with Israel.

That demonstration led to renewed ...