The Ireland national team’s scheduled press conference and training session were postponed on Saturday, adding to growing speculation that the squad may refuse to play their upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Israel. The events, set to take place in Debrecen, Hungary, where Israel is playing what it considers a home game, saw journalists kept waiting after the briefing was pushed back to follow training.
Training itself was significantly delayed, with Irish broadcaster RTE reporting that players remained at their hotel more than two hours past the planned start time. This has fueled rumors of a potential collective refusal to participate. RTE reporter Tony O’Donoghue told RTE Radio 1 that if some players have decided not to play, others may follow suit given the team’s stated commitment to act in unison.
Ireland faces a difficult geopolitical moment with strong public sympathy for Palestinians. The team is scheduled to play Israel on Sunday, followed by a return fixture in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has so far rejected calls for a boycott, citing potential sanctions from UEFA. Ireland is one of the co-hosts of the 2028 European Championship alongside England, Wales, and Scotland.
More than 160 Irish athletes recently signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision. Protesters have gathered outside the team hotel in Dublin, and trade union SIPTU displayed a large banner in central Dublin with the slogans “Go with your conscience!” and “Don’t play with genocide,” featuring an image of a blood-splattered football.
Midfielder Jason Knight acknowledged the team’s difficult position after Thursday’s 1-0 defeat in Kosovo, suggesting he did not believe the matches should proceed. Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson previously faced intense backlash from the Israeli Football Association after stating, “We’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel.” The Israeli federation accused the Icelandic coach of stupidity, ignorance, and hypocrisy.
Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr criticized the FAI’s stance, claiming the organization had “lost the respect of the Irish people.” He noted that the governing body had previously asked UEFA in November to remove Israel from the tournament on principle, a move he felt was contradicted by their current decision to proceed with the games.
Brian Kerr makes a valid point about consistency. Asking UEFA to remove Israel then playing them is confusing.
Delaying training seems like a stalling tactic. What’s really happening behind closed doors?
The pressure on the players is immense. I hope the FAI listens to their conscience rather than just UEFA sanctions.