Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has acknowledged widespread discomfort within his squad ahead of two Nations League matches against Israel, while confirming the team intends to fulfil both fixtures.
Hallgrimsson discussed the issue privately with individual players rather than addressing the squad collectively, reflecting differing personal views on the situation. Despite those differences, he said the group has agreed to remain united once the decision to play the matches was confirmed.
Ireland will face Israel at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September before the teams meet again at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia, on 4 October. The second fixture, officially Ireland’s home game, will take place behind closed doors after the FAI moved it away from Dublin because of operational concerns.
The matches have become the subject of sustained debate in Irish football. FAI delegates voted in July to proceed with the fixtures, amid concerns over the sporting and organisational consequences of a boycott. Campaign group Irish Sport for Palestine has continued to call for the games to be cancelled, with former Ireland manager Brian Kerr and former international James McClean among those supporting the campaign.
The controversy is linked to the continuing war in Gaza, which began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 that killed about 1,200 people. Israel subsequently launched a major military campaign in Gaza. UN reporting has cited more than 73,000 Palestinian deaths since the start of the conflict, based on figures from Gaza’s health authorities. Israel rejects allegations that its campaign amounts to genocide and says its operations are directed against Hamas and conducted in self-defence.
FAI officials have also acknowledged the difficult position facing the national team, stressing that players should not carry responsibility for decisions taken by football authorities.
The upcoming window marks Ireland’s return to competitive football following their World Cup play-off semi-final defeat by the Czech Republic in March. Hallgrimsson has selected a 26-man squad for four Nations League matches, beginning away to Kosovo on 24 September. Ireland then face Israel, host Austria in Dublin on 1 October and finish the window with the second Israel fixture three days later.
Ireland enter the campaign after four summer friendlies in which they defeated Grenada and Qatar and drew with North Macedonia and Canada.