Ireland goalkeeper withdraws from Israel Nations League match after team vote

Ireland's goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu refused to play against Israel on Sunday and was left out of the squad. The Nations League match took place in Hungary as part of a UEFA competition.

Bazunu told the team on Saturday that he would not play. The Football Association of Ireland then cancelled a training session and a press conference that morning. Staff held a meeting with players before the team travelled to Hungary, but they could not reach an agreement.

The remaining players voted, and most chose to go ahead with the match. More than 160 Irish athletes had signed a letter asking the FAI to cancel the game because of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The FAI also faced possible fines from UEFA if it stopped official activities.