Tension increased within the Irish national team ahead of the UEFA Nations League match against Israel. Following demands to boycott the game amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, players held a multi-hour meeting at the hotel and ultimately decided to proceed with the match via a vote.
However, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu took a different stance and left the training camp. The first match between the teams is scheduled for September 27th in Debrecen, Hungary. On Saturday, training sessions and the team press conference were delayed by more than five hours while players discussed the issue.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), David Currell, stated that one of the players expressed discomfort regarding participation in the match. Subsequently, the entire team discussed the issue, and a vote was held among the players.
Gavin Bazunu announced his departure from the camp via an Instagram post, stating that his decision was based on personal convictions, and he opposes the killing of innocent people. He also emphasized that his position is directed against violence in the region, not against the Israeli people or the Jewish community.
Although the match will not be boycotted, the Irish players will wear black armbands during the game. According to FAI information, this will be done in memory of those killed in the conflict. The team will also not participate in some pre-match events. FAI also announced that the players and the association will make a charitable donation from their salaries. This contribution will be made for both the Sunday match and the game against Austria on October 1st in Dublin.
The second match between Ireland and Israel will take place on October 4th in Bakú, Azerbaijan. Both matches will be played without spectators. Previously, the FAI had appealed to UEFA demanding the exclusion of Israel from club and international competitions. Nevertheless, Ireland decided to play both Nations League matches.
Ireland's coach, Hamir Holgrimsson, noted that the team and players are constantly under public pressure. He also stated that after internal discussion, the match will proceed according to the approved schedule.