Ireland squad votes to proceed with Israel Nations League fixture

Ireland’s football squad has voted to proceed with its UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel, despite concerns among players about the war in Gaza, the Football Association of Ireland said on Saturday. FAI chief executive David Courell told reporters in Debrecen, Hungary, that the association had asked the squad to express its view on fulfilling the fixtures. He said a significant majority supported continuing with the match.

“Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue,” Courell said. The first match, officially an Israel home fixture, is scheduled to take place in Hungary on Sunday. Ireland is due to play Israel twice in the Nations League.

Ireland’s designated home match on October 4 was moved from Dublin’s Aviva Stadium to Backa Topola in Serbia after concerns about possible disruption and security issues. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said one unnamed player withdrew from the squad early on Saturday. The withdrawal led to a delay in a scheduled press conference and preceded the squad vote.

Ireland has been a prominent supporter of the Palestinian cause. Dublin formally recognised a Palestinian state in 2024, alongside Spain and Norway, and has repeatedly criticised Israel’s conduct during the Gaza conflict. Israel rejects allegations that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

Since the Nations League draw placed the teams in the same group, Irish sports figures, supporters’ groups and pro-Palestinian campaigners have opposed the fixtures going ahead. The vote means the Sunday match will proceed at the neutral venue in Hungary.