# Ireland to play Israel in Nations League

> Ireland's coach confirms second Israel match proceeds despite protests.
- Title: Ireland to play Israel in Nations League · BBC Sport
- Summary: Ireland's coach confirms second Israel match proceeds despite protests. Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Uefa Nations League game after players voted…
- Keywords: ireland, uefa nations league, israel, football, republic of ireland, faireland, goalkeeper, gavin bazunu, finn azaz, sports, play, Nations
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqd081x1mlvdo
- Published: 2026-09-30T11:52:39.045+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ireland, uefa nations league, israel, football, republic of ireland, faireland, goalkeeper, gavin bazunu, finn azaz, sports
## Ireland coach confirms match proceeds
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says the team's second Uefa Nations League game against Israel will go ahead as planned.

> The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) has said we are playing both games. That was our intention when we came into the camp and it is still our intention
## Players voted to play Israel
Hallgrimsson's side beat Israel 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday after the Republic of Ireland players voted to fulfil the fixture.

> We are trying to focus on the football. It is already decided we will fulfil the games
## Pressure to withdraw game
The 'Stop The Game' campaign - organised by the pressure group Irish Sport for Palestine - issued an open letter this week calling for the Republic of Ireland to pull out of Sunday's behind-closed-doors match in Serbia.

> There's been a lot of lies said around all of this
## Goalkeeper withdraws
On Saturday, goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel games, saying he felt it would be wrong to participate.

> Gavin is a great lad. I've always had a good relationship with him and it's probably more tough for him than the other players
## Coach praises goalkeeper
Hallgrimsson praised the Bolton player and the rest of his squad while hitting out at lies that had been reported regarding the goalkeeper's decision.

> I think it shows his character, as well, to be with us, so I want to give him praise for that
## Goalkeeper not consulted
FAI director of football John Martin confirmed Bazunu was not consulted about his feelings towards the Israel fixtures before he made himself unavailable.

> Truthfully, it doesn't appear like anyone spoke to the goalkeepers
## Midfielder praised
Hallgrimsson praised midfielder Finn Azaz, but would not confirm whether he will be selected for the second Israel game after he was an unused substitute in Sunday's 3-0 win.

> He's been one of the persons I admire the most in how he conducted himself in all of this
## Key takeaway

Republic of Ireland will play Israel in Uefa Nations League game after players voted to fulfill fixture.