The Irish national team is under pressure and wants to play Nations League games against Israel

The Irish national football team is under pressure at home because of the upcoming Nations League games against Israel. Numerous protests are calling on the team to boycott the games because of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, the games should take place as planned. Association president David Courell announced this after a 90-minute team meeting. A “clear majority” was in favor of holding the event, he said.

»This morning a player communicated his discomfort to the head coach and expressed his intention to leave the squad. This new situation required time and consideration from the team,” said Courell. The press conference scheduled for the morning with coach Heimir Hallgrímsson and the scheduled training session were therefore postponed at short notice.

Since the beginning of the Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip in response to the Hamas attack in October 2023, the Republic of Ireland has been one of the European countries that have particularly clearly expressed their support for the Palestinians. Israel's right to exist is expressly emphasized, at the same time Dublin officially recognized the state of Palestine in 2024.

For security reasons, Israel's "home game" will take place on Sunday (8:45 p.m./DAZN) in Debrecen, Hungary, and the second leg on October 4th will also take place on neutral ground in Bačka Topola (Serbia). The second leg is also scheduled to take place on October 4th on neutral ground, in Bačka Topola (Serbia). The Irish association FAI had already waived its ticket quota.

Irish players want to give up handshakes

Irish players will be exempt from their media obligations for the remainder of the international window. Courell said it became clear in conversations with the players that they felt uncomfortable having to answer questions that weren't related to football. There will also be no handshake with the Israeli team or exchange of pennants before the game. The players also wanted to wear black armbands to commemorate the people who lost their lives in the conflict.

Previously, Jason Knight was the first player to publicly speak out against hosting the game. "I don't think the game should take place, but it is taking place," said the professional from English second division club Bristol City after Ireland's 1-0 defeat against Kosovo. Coach Hallgrímsson had already stated last week that some of his players felt uncomfortable having to play the games.

The debate had intensified over the past few days as the game got closer. Hallgrímsson's statements that his team was playing "against genocide" provoked a sharp reaction from the Israel Football Association (IFA), which accused the Icelander of "ignorance, hypocrisy and stupidity." Hallgrímsson then received public support from Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who in turn described the IFA's statements as "unacceptable" and called for their retraction.