Sports
Republic of Ireland players vote to play Israel as goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdraws
September 26, 2026 at 11:56 PM · Updated 19d ago
Coverage
5 reports · 2 in Arabic, 3 in English · over 18 hours
AJAl Jazeera Arabic
دوري الأمم الأوروبية: أيرلندا تواجه إسرائيل بشارات سوداء تضامنا مع فلسطين
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ESESPN
Gavin Bazunu confirms withdrawal from Republic of Ireland matches against Israel
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AJAl Jazeera Arabic
"قتل الأبرياء أمر خاطئ".. حارس أيرلندا ينسحب من مواجهة إسرائيل بسبب الحرب على غزة
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AJAl Jazeera English
Israel-Ireland match to go ahead in Nations League after player vote
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BNBBC News
Israel v Republic of Ireland: Republic of Ireland confirm Israel game will go ahead
(opens the publisher’s site)The Republic of Ireland squad voted by a significant majority to fulfil their Nations League fixtures against Israel after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew on principle.
- FAI chief David Courell confirmed the squad voted to proceed with the fixtures following several hours of meetings at the team hotel in Debrecen, Hungary.
- Bazunu said in an Instagram statement that he would not play "based purely on my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong."
- Ireland will wear black armbands in recognition of lives lost in the conflict and will skip pre-match handshakes and the pennant exchange.
- Ireland play Israel on Sunday in Debrecen and on October 4 behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia.
- Players demanded a media blackout, further pre-match gestures and a large donation from match proceeds.
- Some players and the coach opposed playing, drawing angry reactions from the Israeli football association.
- The squad voted to play the fixtures partly to avoid severe sanctions from UEFA.