Debrecen was left waiting on Saturday as Ireland’s final preparations for their Nations League meeting with Israel were delayed amid the political tension surrounding the fixture.
Key takeaways
- Ireland’s pre-match media conference, initially scheduled for 10.15am local time, was postponed.
- The Republic’s planned training session at the Debrecen stadium was also put back.
- Ireland are due to face Israel in Hungary on Sunday, with kick-off set for 8.45pm.
- The game has prompted significant opposition in Ireland because of the war in Gaza.
- More than 160 Irish athletes previously signed an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland not to play the two Israel fixtures.
Delays in Debrecen before Sunday’s match
Journalists were informed shortly before the scheduled start of Ireland’s press conference that it would instead be held after the team’s training session at the Debrecen stadium.
That session had been due to begin at 11am local time, but Ireland had still not left their hotel two hours later. The postponement of both arrangements was communicated by the Israeli Football Association’s press officer.
The Nations League fixture is being staged in Hungary, where Ireland will meet Israel on Sunday evening.
Calls for the matches to be cancelled
The two meetings between Ireland and Israel have become a subject of intense debate in Ireland. Calls have been made for the fixtures to be cancelled in response to the war in Gaza.
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson had already spoken of his unease before the double-header, a position supported by Irish Prime Minister. In May, campaigners had also called for a boycott.
Irish Sport for Palestine organised an open letter signed by more than 160 Irish sportspeople, asking the FAI not to fulfil the two scheduled matches against Israel.
