Ireland Delay Press Conference Ahead of Israel Nations League Match

The Republic of Ireland team postponed their pre‑match press conference and training ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary. The delay follows mounting pressure from Irish supporters, former players and sports bodies to boycott the match over the Israel‑Gaza conf…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 15:34:25 GMT

The Republic of Ireland national football team has postponed its pre‑match press conference and training session before a UEFA Nations League game against Israel, scheduled to be played in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday. The delay comes amid a growing boycott campaign in Ireland that calls for the team to withdraw from both the home and away fixtures, citing the ongoing Israel‑Gaza war.

What Happened

Journalists were told that the press conference, originally set for 10:15 am local time, would be moved to 12:30 pm after training. The training session itself was also delayed, with players still in their hotel more than two hours after the scheduled start. UEFA officials were unable to explain the cause of the postponements, and no new time for the press conference was announced. The team’s hotel has now been used as the venue for the delayed media event.

Background of the Controversy

The match is part of Group B3 in the UEFA Nations League, with the Republic of Ireland facing Israel on 25 September and returning to Serbia on 4 October. The fixture has become a flashpoint for Irish supporters who feel strongly about the Israel‑Gaza conflict. A pressure group called Irish Sport for Palestine has organised a "Stop The Game" campaign, urging the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to cancel the games. Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex‑international James McClean have publicly backed the boycott.

In contrast, the FAI has resisted calls to withdraw, warning that sanctions from UEFA could be imposed if the team fails to fulfil its fixtures. The association argues that the team could face fines or other penalties, and that the games are part of a broader European competition that Ireland co‑hosts for the 2028 European Championship.

Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has been at the centre of the debate. In a statement before the match, he said, "We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel." The comment drew a furious response from the Israeli Football Association, which accused the Icelandic coach of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy". Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the Israeli FA’s reaction as "unacceptable" during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly.

Player Reactions and Internal Tensions

Several players have expressed uncertainty about participating. Midfielder Jason Knight said after a 1‑0 loss to Kosovo that he did not believe the matches should go ahead, but that the team would discuss the issue collectively. Reports indicate that some players have considered withdrawing from the squad, and there have been rumours of a potential player statement before the press conference. The team held a meeting on Friday to discuss the situation, but no official statement has been released.

More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision. Protesters outside the team hotel in Dublin have called on the players to "go with your conscience" and "don’t play with genocide", while a trade union displayed a large poster in the city centre with a blood‑splattered ball and slogans demanding a boycott.

Implications for UEFA and the Nations League

UEFA has warned that teams failing to meet their obligations can face warnings or fines. The delay of the press conference and training session has raised questions about the Republic of Ireland’s readiness and commitment to the fixture. The outcome of the match will affect the standings in Group B3, where the top team will advance to the Nations League play‑offs.

Should the Republic of Ireland choose to withdraw, UEFA may impose sanctions, including fines or a ban from future competitions. The FAI’s decision to proceed with the games, despite the boycott campaign, reflects a broader debate over the role of sport in political conflicts and the responsibilities of national associations.

What Happens Next

The match is still scheduled to take place on Sunday, but the final decision on whether the Republic of Ireland will field a team remains uncertain. UEFA and the FAI have yet to issue a definitive statement regarding the delay or the potential for a boycott. The situation remains fluid, with players, fans and officials continuing to weigh the ethical and sporting implications of the fixture.

As the game approaches, observers will be watching closely to see whether the Republic of Ireland will honour the match or follow the calls of the boycott movement. The outcome will have lasting effects on the team’s reputation, UEFA relations, and the broader conversation about sport and politics.

Key facts

Ireland delayed press conference and training before Israel match
Boycott campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine
Coach Hallgrimsson’s controversial comments sparked backlash
UEFA warns of sanctions for non‑appearance
Players divided over participation
Match outcome will affect Nations League standings

Why it matters

The decision highlights the intersection of sport and politics, showing how international conflicts can influence national teams and prompting debate over the responsibilities of players, coaches, and governing bodies.