Players of the Republic of Ireland national team intend to wear black armbands to honor the victims of the conflict in Gaza during their match against Israel today, Sunday, as part of the UEFA Nations League competitions.
اضافة اعلان
David Courell, Chief Executive Officer of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), confirmed the withdrawal of goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu from the upcoming two Nations League matches, adding that the decision to play the fixture was made based on a majority vote held among the squad members.
In addition to wearing black armbands during the away match against Israel in the Hungarian city of Debrecen, Courell confirmed that Irish players are set to undertake other initiatives during the first match, as well as the second clash between the two teams, scheduled for next Sunday in Serbia.
This fixture has sparked widespread controversy since the draw placed both teams in Group 3 of League B in the Nations League. Numerous initiatives and campaigns have urged Irish players to boycott the match in solidarity with Palestine due to the ongoing war between Israel and Gaza.
In a press conference held yesterday, Saturday, Courell stated: "One of the players' demands is not to speak to the media for the remainder of the current international break." He added: "The players also intend to wear black armbands to honor all victims of the conflict in Gaza."
He concluded by saying: "There will be elements in the pre-match protocol that Irish players will not participate in, but the team is also set to make a significant financial donation from the proceeds of the two matches against Israel and Austria, scheduled for next Thursday in Dublin."
Pressure has been mounting on the Irish national team domestically—where Palestinians enjoy broad sympathy to boycott both matches: the first today, Sunday, in Debrecen, Hungary, and the second scheduled in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on October 4.
Following his team's 1-0 defeat to Kosovo last Thursday, Irish midfielder Jason Knight said that the players face a difficult situation, adding that he sees no reason for the two matches to take place.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson had previously stated: "We are not playing with genocide; we are playing against it. We are playing against Israel, not playing with Israel." This statement drew an angry response from the Israeli Football Association, which accused the Icelandic coach of stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy.
The Football Association of Ireland had resisted calls to boycott the matches, warning of potential severe sanctions from UEFA, especially since Ireland is co-hosting the UEFA European Championship (Euro 2028) alongside England, Wales, and Scotland.
It is worth noting that more than 160 Irish athletes signed an open letter urging the local football association to reconsider its decision and not proceed with playing the two matches.
