The Republic of Ireland national team has decided it will wear black armbands for its Nations League match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, a gesture to remember the victims of the Gaza conflict.
Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell confirmed that a player, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, had withdrawn from the squad in protest. The announcement followed several hours of discussion among the players and staff, after which a vote by the squad produced a significant majority favouring the match.
Courell added that the team will also make further gestures before the first fixture and during the home return match in Serbia next week. The black armbands will be worn for the opening match, while the players have pledged to contribute to a charitable donation using the match‑fee from the Israel game.
The call to boycott the fixtures emerged after the Israel‑Gaza war intensified in October 2023 and a pressure group, Irish Sport for Palestine, organised a “Stop The Game” campaign. Others, including former manager Brian Kerr and ex‑international James McClean, supported the boycott.
Despite the uncertainty, the Irish Football Association maintains that it can not postpone the match. It says the FAI was obliged to play the fixture under UEFA rules, and the withdrawal of a single player does not mean a cancellation.
Israeli side officials welcomed the decision, with IFA chief of communications Shlomi Barzel calling it a “football win” and urging the sport to remain separate from politics.
The match is set for 14:30 BST on Sunday, with the team leaving a press briefing only after the squad convened earlier that day. The outcome of the game remains to be seen, but the Republic of Ireland remains committed to fielding a full side and honouring its internal pledge to wear black armbands.
