Gavin Bazunu withdraws from the national team for the Israel matches

The Irish goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, former Standard player, announced on Saturday on Instagram that he is withdrawing from the national team for the two fixtures scheduled against Israel in the Nations League. This decision comes as Ireland is set to face Israel this Sunday and on Sunday 4 October in Group B3.

Statement from the Irish goalkeeper

Gavin Bazunu, twenty‑four years old, said on Instagram that his decision was well‑considered. He played a few months at Standard during the 2024‑2025 season, while he was on loan from Southampton. “Playing for my country means a great deal to me, but I cannot take part in the matches against Israel,” he wrote.

Irish players' vote

The Irish Football Federation confirmed on Saturday that the players had gathered to vote on a possible boycott of the fixtures, to protest against the war in Gaza. A majority voted in favour of keeping the matches. The federation also noted that one player had left the squad, and Bazunu confirmed he was that player.

Ireland will face Israel this Sunday and again on Sunday 4 October, within Group B3 of the Nations League. These two encounters are part of football, the flagship competition of the Nations League.

Ireland decides Nations League duel with Israel despite boycott

“I am a man of deep faith and I try to be a person of character and principles,” Bazunu said. He clarified that his decision is based on his personal convictions against the killing of innocents and is not intended to oppose the Israeli people nor the Jewish community.

The players' vote took place in a tense atmosphere, with the war in Gaza at the heart of the discussions. Some team members wanted to boycott the fixtures to denounce the atrocities committed in the region.

After a vote, Ireland confirms Nations League fixtures against Israel

As a result, Gavin Bazunu will not be in the squad for the two scheduled matches against Israel, leaving the Irish team having to cope without their first‑choice goalkeeper.