Boycott pressure disrupts Ireland’s preparations for Israel match
A news conference and training session were delayed ahead of Sunday’s fixture in Hungary as calls for Ireland to boycott the matches intensify.
Ireland’s pre-match news conference and training session were delayed on Saturday, a day before the team is scheduled to face Israel in the Nations League in Debrecen, Hungary. The reports did not confirm why the sessions were delayed or provide a revised schedule.
The delays come amid growing calls in Ireland for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to withdraw from the two fixtures. The association has resisted the calls, citing the possibility of UEFA sanctions.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ reported that some players had decided they did not want to play. That report does not establish a team decision or confirm that any player will withdraw.
Ireland midfielder Jason Knight said after Thursday’s loss to Kosovo that he did not think the matches should go ahead. More than 160 Irish sportspeople have also signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider proceeding.
The second match is scheduled for 4 October in Bačka Topola, Serbia.
