Ireland decides Nations League duel with Israel despite boycott

Ireland must play Israel tomorrow in the Nations League, while the absence of the players at the press conference and an empty training pitch gave the impression that the match would be cancelled. Ultimately the Irish federation decided that a significant majority wants to play the match, despite one player leaving the squad.

The Irish team did not appear at the scheduled press conference and the training pitch remained empty, leading the media and fans to think that the Nations‑League‑duel would not take place. The absence was later attributed to an internal discussion about a joint statement.

‘We don’t know. Maybe the match won’t go ahead,’ said Irish journalist Tony O'Donoghue of the public broadcaster RTE. He was in Debrecen, Hungary, where the match is scheduled, and explained that no agreement had been reached between the federation and the players, causing the preparation to turn into chaos.

Voting and decision of the federation

After one and a half hours of debate the federation held a vote and a significant majority indicated they wanted to play the match. ‘In the past one and a half hours we held a vote and a significant majority wants to play the match,’ said David Courell, CEO of the Irish football association, confirming that the match will go ahead as usual.

Israel tie in doubt as Irish goalkeeper refuses to play

Because one player did not agree, he left the squad. It concerned goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, former of Standard, who withdrew after he did not support the decision.

National team coach Heimir Hallgrimsson indicated that no one feels comfortable at this moment. ‘There is no action we can take to do good for everyone,’ Hallgrimsson said.

RTE is obliged to broadcast the match, but will do so in a completely stripped-down version without commentators, without a programme surrounding the broadcast and without advertising. The broadcaster has therefore adjusted the presentation to the tense situation.

Irish goalkeeper's refusal disrupts match against Israel

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