DEBRECEN: Ireland will face Israel in Sunday’s UEFA Nations League match after a significant majority of the squad voted to play, Football Association of Ireland officials said.
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has made himself unavailable for the game. His decision followed talks involving players, coaching staff and association executives in Hungary. The discussions delayed Ireland’s scheduled Saturday press conference and training session.
Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell said one player had expressed discomfort with playing before indicating an intention to withdraw. The squad then voted on whether to proceed.
Courell said a “significant majority” backed fulfilling the fixture. Ireland entered the discussions after losing 1-0 away to Kosovo in their opening League B Group 3 match on Thursday.
Read: Kylian Mbappe Excluded from France’s UEFA Nations League Squad
Tensions surrounding the Israel games had already grown after coach Heimir Hallgrímsson made comments about Gaza.
The Israeli Football Association responded critically, and Hallgrímsson later acknowledged the attention his remarks drew.
Read: Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League Final 2025: Live Streaming & Telecast Details
Sunday’s match will take place at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen. UEFA lists the fixture for September 27, while Ireland’s second game against Israel is scheduled for October 4 in Bačka Topola, Serbia
