{
  "id": 10970369,
  "title": "Ireland will play return match against Israel in Nations League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league-10970369",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T14:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ireland's national team manager, Heimir Hallgrimsson, confirmed that his squad will face Israel in the UEFA Nations League return fixture on Sunday. The first match of the tournament took place in Hungary earlier in the week, where Ireland secured a comfortable three-goal victory. The game in Debrecen was in jeopardy due to tensions between the two nations, stemming from the ongoing conflict in Gaza. However, after a lengthy discussion on Saturday, the Irish players decided to proceed with the match.\n\nGoalkeeper Gavin Bazunu opted to sit out the game, expressing his belief that participating would be inappropriate. The team also refused to shake hands with Israel and wore black armbands in solidarity with Palestine. Bazunu is expected to play in Ireland's upcoming home match against Austria on Thursday. Hallgrimsson reaffirmed that both games are part of the plan, despite initial reports that Bazunu had been insulted by his teammates.\n\nHallgrimsson praised the players for their unity and support for Bazunu, emphasizing that their bond remains strong despite the controversy. The Irish team will continue to focus on football and move forward.",
  "summary": "Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson says that his team will play the Uefa Nations League return fixture against Israel on Sunday. Sunday's first match, held in Hungary, was won comfortably by the Irish although before, during and after the game there were major issues between the two teams. Three goals inside the first half-an-hour from Troy Parrott, Adam Idah and Jack Moylan earned Ireland three…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Ireland will play return match against Israel in Nations League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ireland-will-play-return-match-against-israel-in-nations-league",
        "published": "2026-09-30T14:47:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}