Ireland opts to face Israel after player vote as Gavin Bazunu withdraws

The Irish Times reported on September 26, 2026, that Ireland would proceed with its September 27 Nations League match against Israel. FAI chief executive David Courell said a “significant majority” of the squad voted to play; Bazunu was the only player to withdraw. In his statement, the goalkeeper said participating in the Israel fixtures would be wrong, citing his faith and opposition to killing innocent people. He stressed that his stance was against atrocities in the region, not Israeli people or the Jewish community. The newspaper also reported plans for no pre-match handshakes and black armbands “for all lives lost in the conflict,” alongside charitable donations of players’ match fees and revenue from the October 1 Austria game.