Ireland's players vote to play amid Israël boycott pressure
Irish defender Nathan Collins and head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson have confirmed that the Israël‑Ireland fixture will go ahead despite boycott calls, with the match set for Sunday at 20:45 in Debrecen, Hungary. The decision, reported by Icon Sport, follows a player vote after intense pressure linked to the conflict in Palestine and the game’s status as the opening encounter of Ligue B in the Nations League.
Player meeting and vote
Players gathered for a four‑hour meeting at their hotel on Saturday. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced he would not take part in the Israël game, and between two and seven teammates were reported to have supported a boycott. Collins and Hallgrimsson are also due to face the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 March 2026.
“I do not think anyone can understand the pressure on these players,” Heimir Hallgrimsson told reporters on Saturday, describing the atmosphere as increasingly untenable.
After the deliberations, a large majority voted to fulfil the fixture, while Bazunu withdrew from the squad. Hallgrimsson confirmed that the match will be played, noting that a forfeit would carry “all bad” consequences for the team. The decision was taken in consultation with staff and the Football Association of Ireland.
Match preparations and symbolic gestures
All outfield players will train on Saturday, with the exception of Bazunu. The squad has asked to be exempt from media duties and to wear a black armband in memory of the victims of the Gaza conflict, and they intend to donate proceeds to charitable organisations.
The pre‑match protocol will be altered following the decision. Earlier in the week Hallgrimsson declared, “We do not play with genocide, we play against genocide. We play against Israël, we do not play with Israël,” underscoring the political sensitivity of the encounter.
Further protests are expected ahead of the second Israël‑Ireland clash scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia, as the “Stop the game” campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine continues. Hallgrimsson acknowledged that “from day one, Les protests have taken place” and reiterated that the team participates solely because the match is mandated by competition rules.