The Irish football team will wear black armbands against Israel “in recognition of all lives lost in [Gaza] conflict”.
Ireland’s Football Association (FAI) chief executive, David Courell, confirmed the contest will go ahead after some players threatened to boycott the match, including goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who will miss the game.
As well as wearing black armbands, Courell announced players will make other gestures for the fixture on Sunday and the reverse match in Serbia on October 4.
Speaking at a delayed news conference, Courell said: “One of their [the players] requests is to remove their media obligations for the remainder of this window.
“They also have the intention to wear black armbands in recognition of all lives lost in the [Gaza] conflict.
“There will be elements of the pre-match ceremony not be partaken in by the Republic of Ireland, and it is also the intention of the players to make a significant contribution to charitable donations by virtue of both [Israel] match fees and also the fixture against Austria at the Aviva [Stadium in Dublin on Thursday].”
Players held a vote about whether to play the fixture following the threatened boycott, with the “majority” voting in favour of it going ahead.
The FAI released a statement confirming Sunday’s game, and the match on October 4 will be played.
Ireland will wear black armbands against Israel ‘in recognition of all lives lost in Gaza conflict’
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It read: “The Football Association of Ireland confirms that the 2026-27 Uefa Nations League fixtures against Israel will be fulfilled.
“The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played.
“The Association respects the views of all players involved and appreciates the level of sensitivity concerning these fixtures.”
Courell provided clarification on the brief boycott and how the players came to the conclusion to play the game.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive, David Courell, spoke to the press ahead of the fixture
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He said: “This morning a player expressed their discomfort to the head coach and indicated intent to withdraw from the squad. As you can understand, this new variable required time and deliberation for the rest of the squad to consider.
“What proceeded was another four hours of conversations, predominately amongst the players themselves, but also at times with the coaching staff and at times with the executive.
“There were a lot of positions presented, and I think it is important to say that from an association perspective and for everyone involved in those conversations, we were fully respectful for everyone’s right to their respective opinion on these topics.
“Ultimately, we carried out a vote amongst the squad to establish their sentiment on fulfilling the fixtures, and it was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue.
The Israeli FA responded to Ireland going ahead with the match, saying they are pleased ‘football has won’
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“Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue as we have always intended to fulfil the fixtures.”
The Israeli FA responded to Ireland going ahead with the match, saying they are pleased “football has won”.
In a statement, the Israeli FA wrote: “The separation between football and politics must be maintained, any other approach spells chaos and a dangerous slide on a slippery slope, leading to disastrous consequences for the game we all love.
“The Football Association of Ireland and the national team players did the right thing by recognising this, even if it took a bit longer than it should. Yet, it’s better late than never.”
Bazunu confirmed he will miss the game, writing a message on social media explaining his position.
He wrote: “Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my teammates, the manager, his staff, and the Irish people.
“However, I have reached a decision that I have not taken lightly. I am a man of strong faith, and try my best to be a person of character and principle, therefore I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel.
“My decision is based purely on my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong. It is important to note that my stance is not in opposition of the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against the atrocities in the region.
“There are a few times where you get a chance in life to stand up for something bigger, and I strongly believe that this is one of them.”
