Brief

Israel face Ireland after player boycott debate

The Nations League clash between Israel and the Republic of Ireland in Debrecen follows a player‑led boycott campaign and a goalkeeper’s refusal to take the field.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 21:10:43 GMT

The Republic of Ireland will travel to Debrecen, Hungary, to face Israel in a UEFA Nations League match on Sunday, after a majority vote by players confirmed the fixtures would proceed. The decision came after a delayed press conference and growing calls for a boycott over the Israel‑Gaza conflict. The match will be played behind closed doors, with no Irish tickets sold.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who has publicly stated he will not play against Israel, was the centre of the controversy. Bazunu said on Instagram that he would not participate because he believes the killing of innocent people is wrong, but that he is not opposing the Israeli people or the Jewish community. His stance sparked debate among supporters, former players and sports bodies, and prompted UEFA to warn of sanctions for non‑appearance.

Irish coach Hallgrimsson faced backlash after comments that were deemed controversial, leading to a boycott campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine. The Irish Football Association (FAI) confirmed that the team would fulfil its obligations after consulting players, and the match is a key fixture for both sides after early defeats.

Israel’s squad will include D Peretz, Mizrachi, Stoyanov, Shlomo, Revivo, E Peretz, Kanichowsky, Gloukh, Khalaili, Solomon and Turgeman. Ireland’s lineup features Kelleher; Manning, Kitching, O’Shea, O’Brien, Abankwah; Molumby, Coventry; Moylan, Idah, Parrott. The game follows a day of intrigue over whether the match would be played at all, with the match’s outcome affecting Nations League standings.

Key facts

The match will be played behind closed doors in Debrecen, Hungary (theguardian.com)
Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu will not take part (theguardian.com)
Ireland’s squad voted to play Israel matches after a postponed press conference (theguardian.com)
UEFA warned of sanctions for teams that fail to meet obligations (theguardian.com)
Israel and Ireland will face each other in a Nations League match on Sunday (theguardian.com)

Background

The decision follows a boycott campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine and a delayed press conference. UEFA has warned of fines for teams that fail to meet obligations. The match is a key fixture for both sides after early defeats.