# Ireland players vote to play Israel match after boycott debate

> Ireland squad votes to play Israel despite boycott pressure after player-led protest
- Title: Ireland players vote to play Israel match after boycott debate
- Summary: Ireland squad votes to play Israel despite boycott pressure after player-led protest Most Irish players will play Israel match with black armbands but one…
- Keywords: ireland, israel, nations league, faire, gavin bazunu, heimir hallgrímsson, black armbands, boycott, sports, players, vote, play
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/26/ireland-players-vote-to-go-ahead-with-nations-league-match-against-israel
- Published: 2026-09-26T20:18:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ireland, israel, nations league, faire, gavin bazunu, heimir hallgrímsson, black armbands, boycott, sports
## Player withdrawal
Gavin Bazunu withdrew from Republic of Ireland squad to play Israel after stating he would not participate as a person of principle

> Representing my country means everything to me. I have the utmost respect for every single one of my teammates, the manager, his staff, and the Irish people.
## Squad vote decision
Republic of Ireland players voted to play Israel match after lengthy discussions with significant majority supporting participation
## Black armbands
Players will wear black armbands in match to honor lives lost in Gaza conflict
## Coach apology
Head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson regretted using strong language about playing against genocide
## Israel response
Israel team congratulated Ireland for decision to play while agreeing to pre-match formalities
## Yellow card dispute
Israel FA appealed yellow cards given to player after corner flag incident
## Player stance
Bazunu stated his decision was based on personal belief that killing innocent people is wrong

> My decision is based purely on my personal belief that the killing of innocent people is wrong.
## Key takeaway

Most Irish players will play Israel match with black armbands but one player withdrew in protest