Ireland Players Vote To Play Israel Games Amid Gaza Pressure, Plan Black Armbands

Ireland’s players have voted to go ahead with their controversial Nations League fixtures against Israel, ending hours of tense discussions within the squad but exposing deep divisions over the matches amid the war in Gaza.

Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday, with the return fixture to be played at a neutral venue in Serbia on October 4. The team’s preparations were delayed by more than five hours on Saturday as players debated whether they should participate.

Reserve goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, 24, left the squad, saying he believed it would be wrong to take part because of his personal opposition to the killing of innocent people. He stressed that his position was not against Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against what he described as atrocities in the region.

Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said a player’s discomfort over the fixtures prompted the discussions and that a significant majority of players voted to continue. The FAI subsequently confirmed that the matches would go ahead.

The players, however, intend to make their position visible. They plan to wear black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the conflict, while some elements of the pre-match ceremony will reportedly be skipped. The players and FAI will also make significant contributions to charity from match fees.

Pressure on the FAI has intensified in Ireland, where support for Palestinians is widespread. More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the association to reconsider the fixtures, while protests have been held against the games.

The FAI has resisted calls for a boycott, citing the possibility of UEFA sanctions. Ireland is also due to co-host the 2028 European Championship.