Austria head to Aviva Stadium amid lingering Israel‑game controversy

Republic of Ireland host Austria on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium, with kick‑off slated for 7.45pm. RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player will broadcast the UEFA Nations League B encounter from 7pm, while a live blog runs on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app.

Political backdrop dominates build‑up

The weekend’s Israel match has cast a long shadow over the upcoming game. FAI President Paul Cooke told the Oireachtas Committee that 68 percent of members at July’s extraordinary general meeting backed the decision to fulfil the Israel fixtures, adding, “That is the football community speaking.”

Director of Football John Martin admitted under questioning that “truthfully, it doesn’t appear like anyone spoke to the goalkeepers,” further fuelling scrutiny of the federation’s handling of the situation.

Squad selection and player focus

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who withdrew from the Israel game, remains in the squad for Thursday’s match, according to manager Heimir Hallgrimsson. Hallgrimsson dismissed circulating rumours of player dissent, calling them “lies” and reaffirmed the plan to play both Israel fixtures.

Hallgrimsson also praised midfielder Finn Azaz, omitted from the Israel side, describing him as “one of the people I admire the most in the world at this moment” and lauding his “incredible emotional control”. Azaz, who has Israeli heritage, has been the subject of unfounded social‑media speculation, which the FAI clarified was unrelated to Bazunu’s withdrawal.

CEO David Courell earlier framed Bazunu’s change of mind as a personal decision, quoting the goalkeeper: “I’ve changed my mind, gaffer.”

Protest groups continue to target the Ireland fixtures. The “Stop the Game” campaign plans a demonstration outside the stadium at 2pm on Thursday, while also accusing the FAI of leaving players “under the bus”.

In response, the FAI announced that the bottom two rows of seating will remain vacant, relocating ticket‑holders to premium sections – a measure presented as a test event for Euro 2028 qualifiers but reportedly intended to deter pitch invasions.