{
  "id": 9771497,
  "title": "Ireland midfielder wants Israel qualifier called off",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/ireland-midfielder-wants-israel-qualifier-called-off-9771497",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-25T13:40:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ireland-midfielder-wants-israel-qualifier-called-off/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has called for the World Cup qualifier against Israel to be called off, arguing that the match should not go ahead due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The match, scheduled for Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, is part of a series of fixtures that have faced growing opposition in Ireland. Knight, speaking after Ireland's 1-0 defeat by Kosovo on Thursday, stated that he does not believe the game should proceed, but acknowledged that it will still take place. The players are set to discuss the situation further on Friday and determine their stance on the matter. Knight emphasized that he will continue to focus on his football while expressing his views on the issue.",
  "summary": "Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason Knight has called for the team’s World Cup qualifier against Israel to be stopped amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Read More: https://punchng.com/ireland-midfielder-wants-israel-qualifier-called-off/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Ireland midfielder wants Israel qualifier called off",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/ireland-midfielder-wants-israel-qualifier-called-off",
        "published": "2026-09-25T13:12:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}