❗️Ireland players vote to play Israel despite boycott debate

Republic of Ireland players voted by a significant majority to play Israel in Sunday's UEFA Nations League match in Debrecen, Hungary, despite reports that some players had considered boycotting the fixture over the genocide in Gaza.

Football Association of Ireland CEO David Courell said the squad held a meeting at their hotel on Saturday to decide whether to proceed with the match, delaying a scheduled pre-match press conference and training session. The players later emerged and the FAI confirmed the fixture would go ahead.

Reports said goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu was among those who had considered refusing to play. Courell said the vote was passed by a "significant majority" and that manager Heimir Hallgrimsson and FAI Director of Football Marc Canham were present at the subsequent news conference.