Ireland press conference before Israel game delayed as boycott pressure grows

REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE: Over 160 Irish sports figures have signed an open letter calling on the FAI to reverse its position and cancel the fixtures. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Ireland’s pre-match press conference ahead of its UEFA Nations League clash with Israel was called off on Saturday, postponed until after training as debate over a potential boycott intensified.

Journalists in Debrecen, Hungary, where Israel is staging its designated “home” game on Sunday were told just 15 minutes before the scheduled start time that the briefing would be delayed.

Training was also pushed back, with RTÉ reporting that the squad had not left their hotel at the time the session was due to begin.

The team has come under growing pressure in Ireland, where solidarity with Palestinians is widespread, to withdraw from both fixtures: Sunday’s match in Hungary and the October 4 reverse fixture to be staged in Backa Topola, Serbia.

Midfielder Jason Knight, speaking after Thursday’s 1–0 loss to Kosovo, said the players were in a tough position and added that he did not think the games should go ahead.

ALSO READ: Why has Mohamed Salah opted out to play Egypt vs South Sudan match?

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrímsson has insisted the matches are morally justified, saying: “we’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel.”

The Israeli Football Association reacted angrily, accusing the Icelandic manager of “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy.” The Football Association of Ireland has maintained its decision to proceed, citing the risk of heavy UEFA sanctions should the team pull out.

With Ireland set to co-host Euro 2028 alongside England, Wales and Scotland, the stakes around compliance and governance are particularly high. Over 160 Irish sports figures have signed an open letter calling on the FAI to reverse its position and cancel the fixtures.

(with inputs from AP)

Published on Sep 26, 2026

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