Ireland to play controversial Israel Nations League fixtures after player vote
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The Republic of Ireland’s contentious Nations League matches against Israel will proceed as scheduled following a vote among the squad.
Doubts had surrounded Sunday’s opening fixture in Debrecen after a planned press conference was postponed until Saturday afternoon.
However, clarity was provided when the Football Association of Ireland released a statement confirming the games would go ahead after the players held talks for four hours on Saturday.
It read: “The Football Association of Ireland confirms that the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled.
“The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played.
“The Association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures.”
Earlier in the day, a selection of squad members held discussions inside the team hotel. This led to them missing an initial media briefing set for 10.15am local time (09.15BST), as well as a practice session at the Nagyerdei Stadium 45 minutes afterwards.
Uefa representatives were initially unclear about what caused the delay, although the players had already stated their intention to meet on Friday to formalise their position. Following this, The Independent understands Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refused to play as others considered joining him, resulting in Saturday’s vote.
Failure to meet fixture obligations risks warnings or financial penalties from Uefa.
Following Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Kosovo in Pristina to start their Nations League campaign, midfielder Jason Knight reflected on the circumstances.
He said: “Look, it’s difficult. I don’t think the game obviously should be going ahead but it is going ahead. We’ll have a deeper talk about it and what that means, we’ll get our thoughts as a group and go from there.
“I’m quite experienced. None of us have gone through this scenario before but I’d like to think I’m experienced, thick-skinned and I can get through most things and that is what I will try and do.
“I’ll try and focus on the football as much as I can. I’ll give my view and my thoughts on it (the Israel games) when I see fit, but I’ll be trying to focus on the football as much as possible.”
