Ireland’s split sees defender Jimmy Dunne named goalkeeper for Israel

The Republic of Ireland have been forced to register Queens Park Rangers defender Jimmy Dunne as a goalkeeper for their Nations League clash with Israel after first‑choice keeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew in protest over the Gaza conflict, leaving Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side to rely on existing keepers and a squad vote to proceed.

Comments from Sport senior reporter Aaron Morris, posted at 16:55 on 27 Sep 2026, were accompanied by a view of two images. The Sports report highlighted the upcoming fixture and the unusual squad decision.

Goalkeeper protest forces reshuffle

Bolton Wanderers shot stopper Gavin Bazunu announced his withdrawal on Instagram, stating his personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. He clarified that his stance is not against the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region. Bazunu’s decision left the Republic of Ireland without their first‑choice goalkeeper ahead of the Sunday match.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell explained that the squad had been in Pristina the day before and held an extensive two‑hour discussion before travelling to Hungary. After Bazunu’s expression of discomfort, a further four‑hour series of conversations took place among players, coaching staff and the executive. A final vote, conducted within the last ninety minutes, returned a significant majority in favour of fulfilling the fixture.

Ireland name Queens Park Rangers defender as emergency keeper after Bazunu boycott

UEFA rules compel Dunne’s registration

UEFA regulations for the Nations League require three goalkeepers to be registered in each squad. With Caoimhin Kelleher and Max O’Leary already named as first and second choices, the association listed 28‑year‑old Jimmy Dunne, a Queens Park Rangers centre‑half who has spent his entire career as a defender, as the third goalkeeper. Dunne is expected to remain on the bench for the clash with Israel.

The match will be played at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Hungary at 7.45 pm on Sunday, with Israel unable to host games in their own country because of the ongoing war. Ireland will wear black armbands to honour lives lost in Gaza and have requested the removal of media obligations for the remainder of the window. Elements of the pre‑match ceremony will also be omitted at the players’ request.

Courell added that the team intends to make a significant charitable donation from both the match fees and the revenue generated by the upcoming Austria fixture at the Aviva later this week. This gesture aims to support those affected by the conflict.

Israel duel in Hungary goes ahead despite uncomfortable players

With the squad’s vote secured and Jimmy Dunne registered, the Republic of Ireland will face Israel under the agreed symbolic measures. The outcome will determine whether the team’s unified stance translates into a performance on the pitch.