Ireland confirms second Nations League match against Israel will proceed

Coach Hallgrimsson says the team will play the Sunday match in Serbia, citing a focus on football after a squad vote and a goalkeeper withdrawal.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:53:06 GMT

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed on Wednesday that the team will fulfil its second UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel on Sunday in Serbia, despite public opposition and a player boycott.

What happened

The Irish squad voted to play the match after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew a day before the first encounter. Ireland won the opening leg 3‑0 in Debrecen, Hungary, where players wore black armbands and bowed during the Israeli anthem. The second leg is set for Sunday in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera noted that the Football Association of Ireland reiterated its commitment to both fixtures and that Hallgrimsson stressed the decision was made before camp and remains unchanged.
The Independent reported that the activist group Stop the Game plans a demonstration outside the Aviva Stadium ahead of Thursday’s Austria game, accusing the matches of “sports‑washing genocide”.
The Independent also highlighted that Finn Azaz, whose mother is Israeli, spoke passionately to teammates during the deliberations and was praised by Hallgrimsson for his emotional composure.
Both outlets mentioned that Hallgrimsson said the team will again wear black armbands for the Serbia match and will observe a moment of silence before the Israeli anthem.

What was said

“The FAI has said we are playing both games… that was our intention when we came into the camp, and it is still our intention,” Hallgrimsson told a Dublin news conference, Al Jazeera reported.

“I must focus on football. I’m going to let others think about security and other things,” Hallgrimsson said, as quoted by the Independent.

Finn Azaz was described by Hallgrimsson as having “incredible emotional control” during the heated discussions, according to the Independent.

Gavin Bazunu, who opted out on principle, was praised by Hallgrimsson as “a great lad” and admired for his stance, the Independent added.

How it came about

The controversy began with a postponed press conference and a four‑hour team meeting in which the majority voted to honour the UEFA schedule. After Bazunu’s withdrawal, defender Jimmy Dunne was named as emergency goalkeeper. UEFA warned of possible sanctions for non‑compliance, but the FAI confirmed the matches would proceed. The first leg in Debrecen was played behind closed doors amid accusations of racist chants toward forward Adam Idah, which UEFA said could not be investigated due to procedural lapses. The ongoing debate over sports and politics has kept the issue in the national spotlight as the teams prepare for the Serbia showdown.

Key facts

Ireland will play Israel in a Nations League match in Serbia on Sunday. (aljazeera.com)
Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the team will fulfil both fixtures despite opposition. (independent.co.uk)
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the first match, prompting a squad vote to play. (aljazeera.com)