Ireland manager backs Gavin Bazunu and disputes reports about Israel match withdrawal
Heimir Hallgrímsson said the goalkeeper had been welcomed back by Ireland’s squad after withdrawing from both Israel fixtures. Sunday’s return match remains scheduled for Serbia.
Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson said on Wednesday, 30 September, that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had been welcomed back by the squad after withdrawing from its Nations League matches against Israel. Speaking before Thursday’s home game against Austria in Dublin, Hallgrímsson disputed coverage of the decision and said he expected Sunday’s return match against Israel in Serbia to go ahead.
Bazunu did not play in Ireland’s 3-0 win over Israel in Hungary on 27 September and will also miss the 4 October fixture. Hallgrímsson said the goalkeeper was available for the Austria match and was taking part with the group. His comments addressed questions about the squad after a vote to play the Israel fixtures despite calls for a boycott.
What Hallgrímsson said about Bazunu and the squad
“There’s been a lot of lies said around all of this, but we welcomed him back and he’s taking part,” Hallgrímsson said at Wednesday’s news conference, according to a Reuters report published by The Guardian. He praised Bazunu’s character for returning to the group and commended the other players for welcoming him.
The manager said he had always had a good relationship with Bazunu and suggested the situation was particularly difficult for the goalkeeper. “Life goes on. He’s a part of this group,” Hallgrímsson said, adding that the episode had not broken the players’ bond.
Reuters reported that media accounts had described a fractured squad and alleged that teammates had insulted Bazunu over his decision. Hallgrímsson did not identify which accounts he considered false. His remarks give the manager’s view of the squad’s response, while the specific allegations about interactions between players remain unverified in the reporting cited here.
Why Bazunu withdrew from the Israel fixtures
Bazunu announced on 26 September that he would withdraw from both games against Israel. The Associated Press reported that he said he believed taking part would be wrong because “the killing of innocent people is wrong”. Bazunu said his position was not directed against Israeli people or the Jewish community.
The decision came amid protests calling for Ireland to boycott the matches, against the backdrop of Irish criticism of Israel’s war in Gaza. AP reported that more than 160 Irish sportspeople had signed an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland to reconsider playing the fixtures. Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr also criticised the association’s decision, according to AP.
FAI chief executive David Courell said a player’s discomfort had prompted discussions within the squad, AP reported. Courell said a “significant majority” of players voted to continue with the fixtures, and the association decided that the first match would go ahead. Ireland then beat Israel 3-0 in Debrecen, Hungary, on 27 September. AP reported that Irish players wore black armbands, did not take part in pre-match handshakes and bowed their heads during Israel’s anthem.
Where and when Ireland’s next Israel match is scheduled
The FAI said in a June announcement that the 4 October fixture, originally an Ireland home game, would be played at TSC Arena in Bačka Topola, Serbia, behind closed doors. The association said it moved the match to a neutral venue because operational challenges could affect its delivery on home soil, and that UEFA had approved the change.
The venue decision also affects supporters who expected a home fixture. The FAI said it would update 2026 season-ticket holders and Club Ireland members about compensation owed after the move. UEFA’s fixture list, updated on 29 September, still schedules Ireland to face Austria on 1 October and Israel on 4 October.
Hallgrímsson said the FAI had stated that Ireland would play both Israel games and that the team would fulfil that commitment. His confidence that Sunday’s match will go ahead is an expectation ahead of the fixture. Asked about security, he said he was focused on football and would leave those matters to others; Reuters reported that further protests were expected around Thursday’s Austria game.
Finn Azaz’s role remains undecided publicly
Asked whether midfielder Finn Azaz would be involved against Israel on Sunday, Hallgrímsson deferred the question while the team prepared for Austria. He praised Azaz’s emotional control and conduct during the controversy. Azaz had remained on the bench for the win over Israel, Reuters reported. The manager’s comments did not confirm a selection decision for Sunday’s match.
Sources and context
- ‘A lot of lies’: Ireland manager hits out over coverage of Bazunu exit from Israel gameThe Guardian (Reuters report)
- Ireland players vote to play contentious games against Israel, intend to wear black armbandsAssociated Press
- Ireland players wear black armbands and refrain from handshakes in soccer game against IsraelAssociated Press
- FAI confirms venue for UEFA Nations League fixture against IsraelFootball Association of Ireland
- 2026/27 UEFA Nations League league phase fixtures by teamUEFA
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.
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