Ireland refuse boycott but keep Israel match despite Bazunu's stand

Ireland will not boycott the Nations League game against Israel even though goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has refused to play, a contrast that highlights the split within the squad and the association’s determination to honour the fixture.

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Boycott rumours and player dissent

Reports today indicated that the Sunday Nations League tie between Israel and the Republic of Ireland looked unlikely to go ahead after Bazunu told teammates on Friday that he did not want to play as a boycott of Israel. The story gained momentum when a press conference scheduled for Saturday morning was called off and training was delayed for hours.

Multiple other players were reported to be considering joining Bazunu, with as many as five squad members said to hold strong views against the match. Despite the unrest, the game was unlikely to be cancelled.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said a vote among the squad showed a significant majority in favour of fulfilling the fixture. On that basis the association decided the match would go ahead, as it has always intended.

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

Ireland had asked UEFA not to be drawn against Israel in future competitions, a request that was rejected. The Israel FA also considered lodging a complaint with UEFA over the dispute.

Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed that one player had withdrawn from the squad, though he did not name the individual. He told Metro, "I don't think anyone anywhere would understand the pressure on these players."

Hallgrimsson added, "Since the draw was made in February, this fixture has always been on the agenda. There is huge support in Europe for Palestine and protests have been ongoing. By playing, we are not accepting what is happening in Gaza; we are simply following the competition rules."

Uncertainty fades as Ireland confirm Israel clash in Debrecen

The veteran who has earned over 100 caps echoed the sentiment, saying the players feel they are doing something wrong by taking the field, yet they must respect the competition’s regulations.