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Ireland votes to play Israel in Nations League after goalkeeper withdraws
The Republic of Ireland voted to proceed with UEFA Nations League matches against Israel after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew based on personal principle. The squad majority approved playing, with players agreeing to wear black armbands and skip pre-match ceremony portions as protest gestures.
Quick Facts
- Squad vote on whether to play Nations League fixtures against Israel
- Gavin Bazunu withdrew from squad citing personal principle
- Decision to wear black armbands
- Decision to skip pre-match handshake and pennant exchange
- Players requested removal of media obligations
The Republic of Ireland will proceed with two UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel after a squad vote on Saturday produced a significant majority in favour of playing, the Football Association of Ireland announced. The decision followed an extended internal debate triggered by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu's withdrawal from the squad, which he attributed to personal principle and opposition to "atrocities in the region."
The squad deliberations lasted approximately four hours at the team hotel in Debrecen, Hungary, after Bazunu informed manager Heimir Hallgrimsson of his intent to withdraw Saturday morning. FAI chief David Courell confirmed the vote showed a "significant majority" supporting the fixtures, stating the association took the decision "on behalf of Irish football" to fulfil the scheduled games. Hallgrimsson acknowledged the difficulty: "Nobody is comfortable at the moment and there is no action everybody will agree to."
As protest measures, the Irish squad agreed to wear black armbands "in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict" and to skip portions of the pre-match ceremony, including the handshake and pennant exchange. Players also requested to remove media obligations for the remainder of the international window and pledged to donate match fees to charity. The first fixture is scheduled for Sunday, 27 September in Debrecen; the second, officially Ireland's home game, takes place 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia. Both matches are being held at neutral venues without spectators.
Bazunu announced his withdrawal via social media, stating: "I am a man of strong faith and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel. My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong." He emphasised his stance was "not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community but against the atrocities in the region."
The fixtures have been contentious since Ireland and Israel were drawn together in Nations League Group B3. Domestic pressure in Ireland intensified ahead of the matches, with campaigns by Irish Sport for Palestine and other groups calling for a boycott. In November 2025, the FAI General Assembly had voted to formally request UEFA sanctions against Israel, citing concerns about clubs in Israeli settlements competing in Israeli competitions and allegations of ineffective enforcement of anti-racism policies. However, no sanctions were implemented.
Israeli officials responded positively to the decision to proceed. In a statement, Israel's team leadership said: "What we have seen today is that football has won. The separation between football and politics must continue." Israeli coach Ran Ben-Shimon confirmed he would participate in all pre-match formalities, including shaking hands with Hallgrimsson.
Why This Matters
Ireland's decision to proceed with two UEFA Nations League matches against Israel affects the competitive schedule and squad composition for both teams in Group B3 fixtures scheduled for 27 September (Debrecen) and 4 October (Backa Topola). The vote outcome—a significant majority supporting play despite internal disagreement—determines whether UEFA's scheduled calendar holds and whether participating nations fulfill competition obligations. Bazunu's withdrawal and the squad's agreed protest measures (black armbands, skipped ceremonial elements, media boycott, charitable donation of match fees) establish precedent for how athlete dissent is managed within professional football structures without forfeiting the match itself.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WireIreland formally recognized Palestinian statehood alongside Spain and Norway
Sep 8, 2025
WireBohemian FC, FairSquare, and Irish Sport for Palestine sent petition to UEFA requesting Israel sanctions
Oct 4, 2026
WireSecond Nations League fixture between Ireland and Israel scheduled in Backa Topola
Oct 4, 2026
WireSecond Republic of Ireland vs Israel Nations League match scheduled in Backa Topola, Serbia
Related Signals
Sources
- Republic of Ireland to wear black armbands for Israel gameBBCMediaSep 26, 2026
- Republic of Ireland’s Gavin Bazunu boycotts Israel match ‘as a person of principle’The GuardianMediaSep 26, 2026
- FA Irlandia Gelar Voting: Tetap Maju Lawan Israel di Nations LeaguedetikNewsMediaSep 26, 2026
- Laga Israel vs Irlandia di Tengah Ancaman Boikot dan Sanksi UEFATirto.idMediaSep 25, 2026
- Republic of Ireland players vote to fulfil Nations League matches against IsraelESPNMediaSep 27, 2026
- Republic of Ireland players vote to fulfill Nations League matches against IsraelESPNMediaSep 27, 2026