Ireland delay training and press conference before Israel match

Ireland delayed its pre-match press conference and postponed training before its Nations League game against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, scheduled for Sunday. The press conference, due at 9.15am Irish time with coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and a player, was moved to 2.30pm Irish time for 15 minutes, announced 15 minutes before it was to begin. Training at Nagyerdei Stadion was to follow the rescheduled conference.aljazeera.com+1

The delay matters because it signals the squad has not settled whether to play the fixture, and because it puts the Football Association of Ireland at risk of a Uefa fine. A Uefa delegate at the stadium confirmed the European governing body learned of the change at the same time as journalists. The fixture hangs in the balance as the squad met with Hallgrimsson to discuss whether to play.

What the delay changed

A statement on behalf of the players was due to be released before the press conference, setting out their stance on fulfilling Sunday's fixture. The squad met to discuss their feelings and options, and while a boycott is understood to be unlikely, there was a sense of anger and frustration at the situation the players have been put in. Irish broadcaster RTE reported the players were still in their hotel more than two hours after training was supposed to begin.

RTE also reported that some players had decided they did not want to play the games. Reporter Tony O'Donoghue told RTE Radio 1 that if the players stay to their stated ambition of being all in it together, and one or more want to be out, maybe they will all be out. Additional reports said at least five players refused to play against Israel.jpost.com

Second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu announced he would not play against Israel on Sunday, according to the Irish Independent. The Irish national team staff tried to resolve disputes with the players before their flight to Hungary but reached no agreement. The squad expressed discomfort over off-field conflict, centred on criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, which erupted in the last couple of weeks.

Which players said they would not play

Midfielder Jason Knight said after Thursday's 1-0 loss in Kosovo that the players were in a difficult situation. "I don't think the game should be going ahead but it is going ahead," Knight said. Captain Dara O'Shea said the decision would be taken as one. Chiedozie Ogbene said he is a practising Catholic with morals and does not agree with what is happening.

The pressure comes after Hallgrimsson said "we're not playing with genocide, we're playing against genocide. We're playing against Israel, we're not playing with Israel." The Israeli football federation accused the Icelandic coach of "stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy." Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin defended Hallgrimsson, calling Israel's remarks unacceptable. More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider.

Former Ireland coach Brian Kerr said the FAI had "lost the respect of the Irish people." The FAI had resisted boycott calls, arguing the team could face punishing sanctions from UEFA, and Ireland is cohosting the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland. Protesters stood outside the team hotel in Dublin, and the SIPTU trade union displayed a poster beside the River Liffey.

What happens before Sunday

Ireland are due to play Israel in Debrecen on Sunday, with the second game, Ireland's home fixture, in Backa Topola, Serbia on October 4. The FAI risks further fines from UEFA if it suspends the last training and the press conference. The press conference is now due at 2.30pm Irish time for 15 minutes, with training to follow.