Stir Before Israel Match: Ireland Voted on Boycott

The Nations League duel between Israel and Ireland on Sunday evening (8:45 PM in the LIVE ticker) is overshadowed by political tensions.

As reported by the "Irish Times", substitute goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu informed his teammates on Friday that he did not want to play against Israel. Other players reportedly considered withdrawing.

The Irish team therefore initially missed its planned press conference and training on Friday. Instead, the players consulted with head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and the association about how to proceed.

Majority for Match to Go Ahead

In the afternoon, the decision was finally made: The match in Debrecen, Hungary, where Israel is playing its home games due to the Middle East conflict, will take place. According to FAI boss David Courell, a "clear majority" of the players voted in favour of the match going ahead.

Bazunu is thus the only Irish player who will not be available for the match.

The Irish players will also forego all media appointments for the remainder of the international period. They are expected to wear black armbands against Israel, and donations to aid organisations are also planned.

Austria also affected

The developments are also relevant for Austria. The ÖFB selection leads Group B3 after their 3-1 home win against Israel. Ireland started their Nations League campaign with a 0-1 defeat in Kosovo.

On October 1, Ireland will face Austria in Dublin, before the "home match" against Israel in Serbia follows on October 4.