Hallgrimsson confirms Ireland will fulfil second Israel fixture

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says his team will play their second UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel, despite renewed calls for a boycott. BBC Sport reported that he reaffirmed the Football Association of Ireland's position before Thursday's meeting with Austria in Dublin. Sunday's return match against Israel is scheduled to take place behind closed doors in Serbia.

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Hallgrimsson said fulfilling both Israel fixtures had been the intention when the squad assembled and remained the plan. He was not aware of another players' meeting to reconsider participation. Irish Sport for Palestine's Stop The Game campaign has issued an open letter this week urging Ireland to withdraw because of the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who made himself unavailable for both Israel matches, has returned to training ahead of the Austria game. Hallgrimsson praised the way his teammates had welcomed him back and confirmed that Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley would replace him for the second Israel fixture. The coach said the disagreement had not broken the bond within the squad.

Ireland won the first meeting 3-0 in Hungary on Sunday after a players' vote backed taking part. In its earlier coverage, BBC Sport reported that the decision followed an extended squad meeting in Debrecen. A news conference eventually began more than five hours later than originally scheduled, with FAI chief executive David Courell saying a substantial majority of players had voted to play.

The team nevertheless marked its concerns before kick-off. Players wore black armbands and bowed their heads during Israel's national anthem, while the teams did not exchange pre-match handshakes. Captains Dara O'Shea and Manor Solomon also did not exchange pennants. Courell had explained that the armbands were intended to recognise everyone killed in the Gaza conflict, according to the BBC's reporting.

The return fixture is set for Backa Topola on 4 October. The FAI announced in June that its home match would move from Dublin to Serbia and be played without spectators, citing operational difficulties. At an extraordinary general meeting in July, delegates supported proceeding with the fixtures amid concerns about the lasting consequences a boycott could have for the association.