Employers' bodies say they don't want to be seen as killjoys when it comes to the World Cup and have urged members to be tackle the issue in a flexible manner.
An IBEC spokeswoman said they should put any arrangements in place in advance and not leave it to the last minute.
"It is very important that people know where they stand before the matches begin," she said.
"Of course it depends on the nature of the business, but wherever possible employers should be flexible."
She said she hoped staff would be "grown up and responsible" about the situation. "There will be a few people ringing in sick but it should be made very clear that absenteeism will not be tolerated," she said.
The Small Firms Association has published recommendations to help minimise the problems anticipated over the World Cup, particularly when Ireland are playing.
They suggest that, wherever possible, agreement should be reached with employees to take the relevant days off as part of their annual leave entitlement.
A flexi-time system could be operated on match days so staff could watch the games by coming to work earlier or work later to make up the time.
Staff should be allowed to listen to the radio or watch television during short breaks "but make it clear that this is a privilege that will be withdrawn if abused".
Director of the SFA Mr Pat Delaney said it was a major issue for small businesses.
"If two or three people don't turn up that could be 20 per cent of the workforce," he said.
The Chamber of Commerce of Ireland said that so far the World Cup didn't seem to be a major issue.
"Policy will differ from company to company," said head of policy Ms Carmel Mulroy.
"One thing is certain, though, if people don't turn up for work on the days Ireland is playing they would want a very good excuse."