Ireland confirms Nations League game against Israel will go ahead
A significant majority backed the fixtures after a four-hour summit, while one player withdrew and the squad plans black armbands and reduced media duties.
- On Saturday, the Republic of Ireland squad and the Football Association of Ireland confirmed Sunday's Nations League fixture against Israel will proceed after a "significant majority" voted to play during a four-hour summit in Debrecen, Hungary.
- Internal unease grew after Thursday's 1-0 loss in Kosovo, prompting players to hold extended meetings where they felt uncomfortable dealing with non-football questions, FAI CEO David Courell revealed.
- Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad after expressing discomfort with the fixture, FAI officials confirmed. The team will wear black armbands "in recognition of all the lives lost," Courell said.
- While the FAI cited potential UEFA sanctions for boycotting, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson admitted "nobody is comfortable at the moment" after consultation with players who shared different viewpoints.
- Amid widespread protests, more than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging a boycott. The FAI faces complex diplomatic challenges, including Ireland's role co-hosting the 2028 European Championship alongside England, Wales, and Scotland.
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The beginning of this Saturday was marked by moments of indefiniteness in the delegation of the Irish team, which goes to the field this Sunday to face Israel, by the G Group of the League of Nations, in Hungary. The team voted for the possibility of a boycott both at the start of this Sunday, as well as the second duel with the Israelis, on the return of the group, in protest to the country's action in the conflict with Palestine. Executive dir…
Irish footballers are planning to wear black armbands during their UEFA Nations League match against Israel in memory of those who lost their lives in Gaza. The Irish players will wear black armbands in solidarity with those who died in the Gaza conflict during their UEFA Nations League match against 'genocidal' Israel tomorrow...
"Football has won": the Israeli Federation welcomed with relief the decision of Irish players not to boycott the match of Nations League against Israel scheduled tomorrow in Debrecen. (ANSA)
Despite calls for boycotts and debates in the selection, Irish players decided to play their two games against Israel, scheduled for 27 September and 4 October.
The Irish national football team will meet Israel on Sunday in the Nations League. A possible boycott is now off the table. Nevertheless, not everything will go as usual.
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