Keeley to replace Bazunu in Ireland squad for second Israel match

The Republic of Ireland have confirmed plans to play their UEFA Nations League B3 match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, on Sunday. Football Association of Ireland chief executive David Courell said a player vote had passed by a significant majority in favour of playing. [1]

Saturday’s preparations were disrupted. A pre-match news conference was postponed 15 minutes before its scheduled 09:15 BST start, and the team remained at its hotel after training was due to begin at 10:00 BST. [1]

BBC Sport also reported unconfirmed accounts that several players, including goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, had wanted to withdraw from the match. [1]

Update

Republic of Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson said on Wednesday that his team would play Sunday’s Nations League match against Israel. He said the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had told the team to play both fixtures against Israel and that it would comply. His remarks at a press conference were reported by ANP on Nieuws.nl. [2]

The fixtures have been controversial in Ireland because of the war in Gaza. Hallgrímsson said playing had remained the team’s intention, although the period had been particularly difficult for the players. [2]

Sunday’s match is designated as an Ireland home fixture but is scheduled to take place at a neutral venue in Serbia without spectators. [2]

Update

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrímsson says Luton goalkeeper Josh Keeley will take Gavin Bazunu’s place in the squad for the second Nations League match against Israel. [3]

Bazunu made himself unavailable for both Israel fixtures, saying he felt it “would be wrong to participate”. [3]