Hallgrimsson Reaffirms Republic of Ireland’s Commitment to Second Israel Clash Amid Calls for Withdrawal

Key Takeaways:

• Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed the team’s second Uefa Nations League fixture against Israel will proceed as scheduled
• Last Sunday, the Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in Hungary after players voted overwhelmingly to play the match
• Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted out of both Israel games but has since returned to training ahead of Thursday’s match against Austria

Republic of Ireland Maintain Stance Amidst Controversy

Heimir Hallgrimsson, the Republic of Ireland’s head coach, has reiterated that his side will participate in the second Uefa Nations League tie against Israel, despite significant public opposition due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. The team emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary on Sunday after holding a player vote to determine whether to fulfil the fixture. The vote, which the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell described as passing by a “significant majority,” resulted in the team choosing to play.

🗣️"It's been tough. Really, really tough especially tough on the players"

Republic of Ireland Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed his side will fulfil Sunday’s return fixture with Israel in Serbia. He also said he wasn't aware if players were planning to hold another vote… pic.twitter.com/eKSTBjd0dZ

— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 30, 2026

Campaigners, notably the ‘Stop The Game’ initiative from Irish Sport for Palestine, have repeatedly lobbied for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from matches against Israel, including Sunday’s fixture in Serbia, which is set to take place behind closed doors. They issued an open letter earlier in the week urging the team to reconsider participation.

Focus Remains on Football Ahead of Austria Encounter

Addressing the media ahead of Thursday’s scheduled clash with Austria in Dublin, Hallgrimsson emphasised that the squad remains intent on playing both fixtures. He stated, “The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention.” Hallgrimsson further clarified he was not aware of any scheduled squad meeting to reconsider their participation in the upcoming Israel match, which remains on their agenda.

The build-up to last Sunday’s game was marked by uncertainty, as the team’s pre-match press conference was postponed due to a lengthy squad meeting. When the conference convened over five hours later, confirmation came that a significant majority of players had chosen to go ahead with the fixture. During the game, Republic of Ireland players expressed their sentiments by skipping customary pre-match events, donning black armbands, and bowing their heads during the Israeli anthem.

Response to Potential Protests and Security Concerns

Hallgrimsson was also questioned about possible protests surrounding Thursday’s match against Austria, in light of previous incidents such as May’s friendly against Qatar, which was briefly halted after spectators threw tennis balls with the Palestine flag onto the pitch. Hallgrimsson remarked, “I must focus on football. I will let others think about security and those things. We are playing Austria, the highest-ranked team in the group. I’m not going to allow outside noise to affect me focusing on football.”

Bazunu’s Absence and Squad Dynamics

On Saturday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu declared himself unavailable for both fixtures against Israel, citing personal reasons by stating he felt it “would be wrong to participate.” Nonetheless, Bazunu returned to training with the team ahead of the Austria match. Hallgrimsson offered praise for the Bolton shot-stopper and addressed what he described as “lies” reported regarding Bazunu’s decision. The head coach confirmed Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley will be added to the squad for the forthcoming Israel encounter.

Squad Selection and Player Support

Hallgrimsson commended the squad’s inclusive atmosphere, stating that Bazunu had been warmly received upon his return to training. He emphasised the strength of the team’s bond, noting their ability to move forward despite recent challenges.

The head coach also offered praise for midfielder Finn Azaz, who has familial links to Israel through his mother’s side, citing the Southampton player’s “incredible emotional control.” While Azaz was an unused substitute in the 3-0 victory over Israel, Hallgrimsson did not confirm whether the 26-year-old will feature in the second fixture.