Ireland signs a defender goalkeeper after Gavin Bazunu's refusal
Ireland will face Israel this Sunday in Debrecen, but the absence of first‑choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who refuses to play, forces them to list a defender as goalkeeper, complicating their campaign in the Nations League and jeopardising their chances of progressing to the final stages.
After a vote of the whole squad, the Irish players confirmed that they will indeed play the Nations League match this Sunday at 20:45 in Debrecen, Hungary. However, first‑choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced his refusal to take part in the fixture against Israel. His absence creates a void in the goalkeeper position, already covered by the backups Caiomhin Kelleher and Max O'Leary.
Gavin Bazunu's refusal
The goalkeeper justified his decision on social media, stating: “My decision is based solely on my personal conviction that killing innocent people is an unjust act. It is important to clarify that my stance is not directed against the Israeli people nor against the Jewish community, but against the atrocities committed in the region.” This stance, motivated by the conflict in Palestine, means he will not take part in the match nor the return leg scheduled for October 4.
UEFA regulations require three goalkeepers to be listed on the match sheet for Nations League fixtures. With Caiomhin Kelleher and Max O'Leary already registered, the federation had to find a third goalkeeper.
Gavin Bazunu opts out of Israel clash amid humanitarian concerns
A defender named goalkeeper
The solution was to register defender Jimmy Dunne, who plays for QPR, as a backup goalkeeper for the first fixture. Dunne, who had not played against Kosovo due to a minor injury, accepts this unprecedented role.
It is not yet decided whether he will be retained for the return match, scheduled for October 4 in Backa Topola, Serbia, where Bazunu has also withdrawn.
Gavin Bazunu justifies his withdrawal from the match against Israel
Furthermore, the Irish public broadcaster RTÉ announced that it will not broadcast the match with its own production team. The transmission will be carried out via the international feed, with pictures and commentary provided by the organization.