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Ireland's match against Israel to go ahead following players' boycott threat


Ireland's match against Israel in the Nations League will go ahead, despite goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu and other teammates' threat to boycott.

The scheduled press conference for Sunday's game was delayed, raising doubts that the match will be played.


Players held a vote about whether to play the fixture, voting in favour of going ahead.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have issued a statement providing confirmation for Sunday's game at 7:45pm and the reverse fixture on October 4.



It read: "The Football Association of Ireland confirms that the 2026-27 Uefa Nations League fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled.

"The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played.

"The Association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures."

Bazunu and some of his teammates reportedly wanted to boycott the Nations League fixture, according to The Telegraph.


\u200bIreland's match against Israel will go ahead on Sunday


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FAI chief executive David Courell explained the brief boycott and the game on Sunday.

He told a press conference: "This morning a player expressed their discomfort to the head coach and indicated intent to withdraw from the squad.

"As you can understand, this new variable required time and deliberation for the rest of the squad to consider.

"What proceeded was another four hours of conversations, predominately amongst the players themselves, but also at times with the coaching staff and at times with the executive.


\u200bThe FAI chief executive, David Courell, provided clarification on the situation



"There were a lot of positions presented, and I think it is important to say that from an association perspective and for everyone involved in those conversations, we were fully respectful for everyone's right to their respective opinion on these topics.

"Ultimately, we carried out a vote amongst the squad to establish their sentiment on fulfilling the fixtures, and it was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue.

"Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue as we have always intended to fulfil the fixtures."

The team trained on Saturday afternoon following a delay to the session.


Israel are in action against Ireland on Sunday at 7:45pm, following confirmation from the FAI



Earlier this week, the Irish Sport for Palestine sent an open letter to the FAI, calling on the squad not to play the game.

Captain Dara O'Shea said every player had the right to express their opinions and respect others.

He said: "We've got to respect each other's opinions and each other's views. And really sit down and take the time, because it deserves the time to talk about.

"It's the main thing, and it's something that can't be brushed over. Whatever decision that we go through as players is taken as one, and everybody's view is respected as well."


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