High tension in the Nations League as Ireland set to face Israel

The clash between Israel and Ireland, corresponding to matchday 2 of Group B of the UEFA Nations League, is in the spotlight after several Irish footballers expressed their refusal to play against the Israeli side because of the offensive in Palestine. Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson reported that a player has withdrawn from the camp and that a vote by the group members will decide whether the fixture will go ahead. The match is scheduled for Sunday 27 September at 20:45 in Debrecen, Hungary.

Players' vote

The Irish squad met on Saturday at the Hungarian hotel where they are based to put the continuation of the match to a vote. The delay in training and the press conference was due to internal deliberation. According to the majority, the players chose to play the fixture, although the decision was made after an intense debate.

In the vote, 75 players voted in favour and 32 against, according to FAI chief executive David Courell. A possible refusal to act would trigger UEFA sanctions and the loss of several million euros, according to the governing body's regulations.

Reactions and measures

Hallgrimsson stated that a player “has withdrawn from the camp” who expressed his desire not to take part. The coach added: “We do not play with genocide, we play against genocide. We play against Israel, not with them.” In 2025, Hallgrimsson had described the Israeli team as “genocidal.”

Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refuses to play against Israel

Midfielder Jason Knight commented: “I don’t think the game should be held, but it will be held.” In addition, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is said to have left the group as a form of protest, and several teammates also expressed their concern.

The Israeli federation responded by labeling the Irish coach as “ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity.” Hallgrimsson described the situation as “an extraordinary circumstance” and assured that any salute or flag exchange will be avoided before the whistle. The Irish players will wear black ribbons as a sign of mourning for the victims of the conflict in Gaza.

Gavin Bazunu quits the training camp: Ireland decides to play Israel in Debrecen

The Irish public service RTE will broadcast the match without advertising or halftime analysis. After the fixture, Ireland will host Austria in Dublin on Thursday and will play its next match against Israel the following Sunday in Belgrade, Serbia, after the venue change for security reasons.