Ireland Coach Confirms Upcoming Nations League Match Against Israel Despite Public Opposition and Boycotts

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed that his team will proceed with their upcoming Nations League football match against Israel on Sunday, despite public opposition in Ireland and a player boycott related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

“The FAI has said we are playing both games,” Hallgrimsson stated during a press conference in Dublin on Wednesday, emphasizing that the team's focus remains strictly on football.

This decision follows Ireland's 3-0 victory over Israel in Hungary on Sunday, a fixture preceded by a turbulent build-up during which goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the squad. Furthermore, Irish forward Adam Idah was subjected to racist abuse and monkey chants by Israeli supporters, though UEFA stated the matter could not be investigated due to procedural protocols not being followed.

Ahead of their fixture against Austria in Dublin, Ireland's team preparations continue for the designated home match against Israel, which will be held behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia. Hallgrimsson noted that the Irish players will once again wear black armbands and bow their heads during the Israeli national anthem, mirroring their actions during the previous match in Debrecen.