![Players of Ireland pose for a team photo ahead of the UEFA Nations League B Group 3 opening match between Kosovo and Ireland in Pristina, Kosovo on September 24, 2026. [Erkin Keçi - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/AA-20260925-42564478-42564467-KOSOVO_V_IRELAND_UEFA_NATIONS_LEAGUE-2-2.jpg)
Republic of Ireland players intend to wear black armbands in recognition of the lives lost in the Gaza conflict during Sunday’s Nations League match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said, Anadolu reports. FAI Chief Executive David Courell confirmed Saturday that one player had withdrawn from the squad ahead of the match. Courell said the squad had held a vote on whether to play the fixture, with a “significant majority” voting in favor of proceeding with the game. The match has been the subject of controversy since Ireland and Israel were drawn together in Group B3. The players had faced calls from the Stop The Game campaign, organized by the Irish Sport for Palestine group, […]
