Israel's players have reportedly decided they will not swap jerseys with Ireland following their Nations League clash in Hungary on Sunday.
According to reports from Israeli sports media, the decision has already been made ahead of the match, which is set to take place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen on September 27.
An unnamed Israeli player was quoted as saying: “After Austria, we will deal with Ireland, but one decision has already been made”, in reference to the traditional post-match exchange of shirts.
There has been no official confirmation from either the Israel Football Association or the Football Association of Ireland that the players will refuse to exchange jerseys.
The reported decision comes amid heightened tensions between the two teams ahead of their two Nations League meetings.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has faced criticism from the Israel Football Association after saying last week that Ireland would be “playing against genocide” when facing Israel.
The Israel FA responded by accusing Hallgrimsson of “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy” in a social media statement.
Hallgrimsson has said that some members of the Ireland squad were uncomfortable about playing the fixtures, but that players had agreed to remain with the team.
The FAI has also taken steps to reduce the amount of interaction and media activity surrounding the games.
The association has requested that non-essential pre-match traditions, including meetings or meals between officials from the two football associations, do not take place.
It has also significantly reduced media access around the international window and removed sponsor branding from the games.
The FAI has said the measures are designed to protect the players and allow the team to focus on football during an unusual and highly scrutinised international window.
Ireland will first face Kosovo in Pristina on Thursday before travelling to Hungary for Sunday's meeting with Israel.
The match will be played at a neutral venue, as will the return fixture between Ireland and Israel on October 4.
Ireland's designated home game has been moved from Dublin to the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia, and will be played behind closed doors.
The FAI previously said the move was due to operational challenges that could have affected the delivery of the game in Dublin.
The fixtures have attracted significant controversy in Ireland, with calls for the national team to boycott the matches.
More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter calling on the team not to play the games.
The FAI has nevertheless confirmed that the matches will go ahead.
For now, it remains unclear whether Ireland's players would agree to a jersey exchange if offered one by their opponents.
The first Ireland-Israel meeting is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, with kick-off at 7.45pm in Debrecen.
