The Republic of Ireland’s pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel was delayed, deepening uncertainty around the game amid calls for a boycott. Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squad were due to face Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, at 19:45 BST, but the scheduled media event and training session were both postponed without a clear explanation.
The press conference was set for 09:15 BST, shortly before training, with Hallgrimsson and a player expected to address the media. UEFA officials initially told journalists the briefing would take place after training at around 11:30 BST, but moments later, the training session itself was postponed with no new time given. UEFA has not provided further details about the delays or when the conference will happen. It has since emerged the news conference will be held at the team hotel rather than the stadium.
The fixture has become embroiled in controversy since the two teams were drawn in Group B3, following an armed attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, where the Hamas-run health ministry reports more than 73,000 deaths, figures considered reliable by the United Nations.
Irish Sport for Palestine, a pressure group, has led calls for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from the matches, citing the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. Their “Stop The Game” campaign has gained support from former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex-international James McClean, both of whom have publicly backed the boycott.
Despite the pressure, some Irish fans have expressed that the game should proceed with supporters in attendance, though they have been less vocal. The players held a team meeting on Friday to discuss Sunday’s fixture and the return match scheduled for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia. A statement from the squad was expected at Saturday’s press conference, but the delay has stalled any such announcement.
Reports suggest at least one player has considered withdrawing from the squad, though this remains unconfirmed. The postponements at the stadium and shift to the team hotel have added to the uncertainty surrounding the team’s stance and the match itself.
The Republic of Ireland and Israel’s Nations League games come amid one of the most intense periods of political and humanitarian conflict in recent years. UEFA and the Football Association of Ireland have so far maintained the fixtures will go ahead, but the delays and internal discussions highlight the challenges facing sport during times of crisis. The latest confirmed development is the press conference’s relocation and the absence of a new timetable for training or media access.
According to Yahoo Sports.