Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the squad for the Nations League match against Israel, citing his personal opposition to the killing of civilians in the Gaza conflict. Bazunu, who plays for Bolton Wanderers, made the announcement on Instagram, stating that he had reached a decision that he had not taken lightly. He emphasized that his stance was not in opposition to the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but against the atrocities in the region.
Since the start of the conflict in Gaza on 7 October 2023, Israel has killed at least 74,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 174,000 others, most of them women and children. Bazunu's decision came after discussions within the squad, and the Republic of Ireland will fulfil the fixture in Debrecen, Hungary, after the players voted by a "significant majority" to play. Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive David Courell confirmed that the association took the decision on behalf of Irish football to fulfil the fixtures.
The Ireland team had a scheduled press conference on Saturday, which was delayed while the squad discussed whether to fulfil the fixture. Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said the players had found the situation difficult, adding that they were trying to tackle it in the best way they could at the moment. The players will wear black armbands during Sunday's match "for all lives lost in the conflict," Courell said, while proceeds from Ireland's match against Austria will be donated to charity.
The Israel fixtures have prompted debate in Ireland, where there has been longstanding public support for the Palestinian cause. Ireland, alongside Spain and Norway, formally recognised a Palestinian state in 2024 and has repeatedly criticised Israel's conduct in the Gaza conflict. In May, leading Irish footballers and prominent celebrities called on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, citing Israel's war on Gaza.
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, confirmed that it would broadcast Sunday's Ireland-Israel match without Irish commentary or punditry. Bazunu's withdrawal adds another dimension to a fixture that has already generated significant debate in Ireland, but the FAI has confirmed that the team will proceed with the match as scheduled. The match is officially an Israel home fixture but will be played at the Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen.
The Ireland-Israel fixture has been a subject of controversy, with concerns over security and potential disruption. Ireland's designated home match against Israel on 4 October has been moved from Dublin's Aviva Stadium to Bačka Topola in Serbia. The FAI has also announced that the players will not carry out media duties during the remainder of the international window, including around the matches against Austria on 1 October and Israel three days later.
The situation highlights the complexities of sports and politics, with athletes and teams increasingly taking stands on social and humanitarian issues. As the conflict in Gaza continues, it remains to be seen how this will impact future sports fixtures and events involving Israeli teams. For now, the focus is on Sunday's Nations League match between Ireland and Israel, which promises to be a highly charged and emotive encounter.
Key points
- Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Nations League matches against Israel citing opposition to Gaza conflict
- The Republic of Ireland will fulfil the fixture in Debrecen, Hungary, after players voted to play
- The Israel fixtures have prompted debate in Ireland, where there has been longstanding public support for the Palestinian cause
