Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Ireland squad for Israel fixtures

Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Nations League fixtures against Israel after telling his teammates he did not want to participate. The goalkeeper's decision emerged on Saturday, September 26, as the Football Association of Ireland confirmed the games would proceed following discussions and a vote among the players.

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The Guardian reported that Bazunu cited opposition to killing innocent people, not opposition to Israelis or the Jewish community. His withdrawal followed talks within the squad about how to respond to the fixtures. The Irish Times reported that players had first met on Friday to exchange views, with a collective boycott not initially on the agenda.

Those discussions disrupted Saturday's preparations in Debrecen. According to The Irish Times, the scheduled morning press conference was postponed at 19 minutes' notice, and training was also delayed while players remained at their hotel. The meeting had originally been intended to establish a common position on the match and consider whether the team should stage a protest.

The FAI subsequently confirmed that a majority of players supported fulfilling the fixtures, according to Extra. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said one player had withdrawn and everyone else remained available for selection. The association said it respected the different views within the squad and acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the matches. The players also requested relief from media duties for the remainder of the international window.

The association's position predates Saturday's talks. In a June statement, the FAI said it had asked UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association following a motion backed by its general assembly. It nevertheless remained committed to playing the scheduled games, citing competition rules under which refusing a match could lead to forfeiture and further disciplinary measures, including possible disqualification.

Ireland's first meeting with Israel is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, in Debrecen, Hungary. The return fixture, nominally Ireland's home game, is due to take place in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4, according to RTE. That match will be played behind closed doors, with the FAI having confirmed that no tickets would be sold to Ireland supporters for either encounter.