Hallgrímsson said on Wednesday that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had already decided that Ireland would play both fixtures against Israel.
“The FAI has said we are playing both games,” Hallgrímsson told reporters. “That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention.”
Ireland defeated Israel 3–0 in Hungary on Sunday after their squad held discussions and voted to play the fixture. The build-up had been complicated by goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrawing from the squad, saying he did not believe he should participate in the matches against Israel.
Return fixture to be played in Serbia
Ireland’s designated home fixture against Israel on Sunday, October 4, will be played at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors.
The FAI previously confirmed that the fixture was moved to a neutral venue because of operational challenges affecting the staging of the match in Ireland. UEFA approved the change.
Hallgrímsson said his priority was to concentrate on football while other authorities dealt with security and the wider issues surrounding the fixture.
“It’s been tough, especially on the players. It’s been really tough,” the Ireland manager said. “We are trying to focus on the football.”
Ireland to wear black armbands again
Ireland’s players wore black armbands during Sunday's 3–0 victory and observed a moment of reflection during the Israeli national anthem.
Hallgrímsson confirmed that the team would repeat those actions during Sunday's return fixture.
The teams also did not conduct the traditional pre-match handshake or exchange pennants before Sunday's game in Debrecen.
Bazunu controversy
Bazunu withdrew from both matches after publicly expressing his opposition to participating. Hallgrímsson has since defended the goalkeeper, describing him as a good person and saying the situation had been difficult for him.
The Ireland manager also criticised reports surrounding Bazunu's withdrawal, saying there had been “a lot of lies” about what happened within the squad. Reuters reported that Hallgrímsson said the goalkeeper had been welcomed back by his teammates and remains available for Ireland's match against Austria on Thursday.
Ireland will first face Austria in Dublin on Thursday before travelling to Serbia for Sunday's closed-door meeting with Israel.
The FAI's official fixture information confirms the October 4 match will take place at the TSC Arena in Bačka Topola.