Ireland coach confirms decision on next Israel match

Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed that his team will play Israel in their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture despite ongoing protests over the match.

The two teams are scheduled to meet in Serbia on Sunday. Ireland’s players had initially considered refusing to play the match in protest over the situation in Gaza but later voted to take part.

Speaking ahead of Ireland’s match against Austria on Thursday, Hallgrimsson said he must “focus on football” and leave security and other matters to others.

Asked whether the players had held another meeting about the return fixture against Israel, Hallgrimsson said they had not. He added that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) had confirmed that the team would play both matches.

“It is difficult, especially for the players. The decision has already been made that we will play all the matches,” Hallgrimsson said.

-AJM