Ireland undecided on approach for next game against Israel, coach says

What Happened

Republic of Ireland football coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said the squad has not decided how it will approach its second UEFA Nations League match against Israel, scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors, according to Irish media reports published Tuesday. The remarks came two days after Ireland beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, following a squad vote to fulfil the fixture despite unease among some players over the war in Gaza. During that match, Irish players wore black armbands "in recognition of all the lives lost in Gaza" and bowed their heads during the Israeli national anthem; the teams skipped traditional handshakes and did not exchange pennants. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from both fixtures, saying "it would be wrong to participate" because of the "killing of innocent people". The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) requested last year that UEFA suspend Israel but failed to secure sufficient support from European football chiefs, and it moved the 4 October match from Dublin to Serbia, citing "operational challenges".

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Ireland–Israel Nations League fixture has become a focal point for international protest and boycott campaigns over the Gaza war. The FAI's failed suspension request and the relocation to a closed-door venue in Serbia highlight divisions within European football over Israel's participation, while an independent United Nations commission of inquiry has concluded that Israeli military actions and warfare methods in Gaza constitute genocide—a finding Israel rejects.

Watch For

Ireland faces Austria on Thursday in Dublin before the 4 October return match against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors. Hallgrimsson said the squad will hold a discussion after the Austria game, making that a likely moment for a formal decision on approach. Further player withdrawals, fan group protests, and any UEFA intervention over the fixture are concrete signals to monitor.