One player left the camp. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said on social media he would not take part. “I feel it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming fixtures against Israel. My decision is based purely upon my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.”
FAI chief executive David Courell said the unnamed player’s discomfort prompted hours of talks, then a vote. “It was a significant majority that was returned with the intention to continue. Based on that, the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football that this fixture would continue.”
Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said playing the match did not mean supporting the war in Gaza. The team intend to wear black armbands in memory of lives lost. There will be no pre-match handshakes.
The game is Israel’s designated home fixture at the Nagyerdei Stadium. Kick-off is 19:45 BST. Ireland’s return on 4 October has been moved from Dublin to Bačka Topola, Serbia, and will be played behind closed doors.
Pressure to boycott has been intense in Ireland. More than 160 sportspeople signed an open letter. FAI members had earlier asked UEFA to suspend Israel; a later EGM backed playing. Courell has cited possible sanctions and Ireland’s role as a Euro 2028 co-host.
Hallgrímsson said the rest of the squad trained after the vote and that the association was trying to limit the damage. Sunday’s match will go ahead without Bazunu.