No frills: RTÉ strips back coverage of Ireland’s Israel games

RTÉ will broadcast the Republic of Ireland’s two upcoming Nations League clashes with Israel, but viewers can expect a very different match-day experience.

The national broadcaster has confirmed it will honour its contractual commitment to screen both fixtures, while keeping its own production involvement to a minimum.

There will be no familiar studio build-up, no RTÉ pundits breaking down the action and no in-house commentator calling the game.

Instead, viewers will hear commentary from the international broadcast feed, with only a small technical crew deployed by RTÉ.

The broadcaster has also confirmed it has not accepted advertising or sponsorship linked to either match.

Ireland are due to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on September 27, before the teams meet again in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4.

In a statement, RTÉ said it would fulfil its broadcasting obligations, while limiting the extra production and commercial activity surrounding the games.

The station said it would still provide news coverage of the matches, along with wider developments connected to the fixtures.

The pared-back approach means the games will be shown, but without the usual RTÉ studio presentation and punditry that accompany many major football broadcasts.

*This article was originally published on Extra.ie.