DEBRECEN — The Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary. U.S. sports networks and fans followed the fixture as part of broader international soccer coverage. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) oversaw a contest marked by political gestures and protocol deviations from its players.

Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the match in protest. He posted a statement on social media saying he felt it would be wrong to participate in the fixtures against Israel due to the atrocities in the region. The FAI confirmed that a players' vote passed by a majority to play the game despite these objections.

Adam Idah scored a goal for the Republic of Ireland in the match. During the game, Israeli supporters directed racist chants towards Idah. Irish midfielder Jayson Molumby asked the referee and fourth official to listen to alleged racist chants before half-time.

A UEFA delegate informed the FAI that an investigation could not be opened as Molumby did not explicitly mention racism to the officials. UEFA confirmed that racist abuse by Israeli fans towards Idah occurred but stated the matter could not be investigated because protocols were not followed by Irish players and officials. Dara O'Shea pledged to donate all of his earnings from the match to aid Gaza.

FAI president Paul Cooke stated that the Republic of Ireland could have faced undetermined sanctions had they not played the match. "The rules are clear. It specifies if we don't fulfil the fixtures what the sanctions are and then there's reference to other sanctions undetermined," Cooke said. He noted that refusing to play could cost €5.5 million ($6.3 million) in direct revenue, in addition to possible forfeited matches and relegation, according to reports.

He stated that UEFA is still considering an FAI letter sent in November proposing Israel's expulsion from international and club competitions. "Their response was that they'd consider it and they're still considering it," he said. He also stated that he spoke to Austria and Kosovo, who reaffirmed their decisions to play the games against Israel. "I've certainly spoken to the other countries in our group and they reaffirmed their decisions to play the games," he added.

Why It Matters

The match proceeded despite a campaign by Irish Sport for Palestine calling for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw. In July 2026, FAI members voted 75-32, with three abstentions, to proceed with the Nations League fixtures against Israel, as reported by Israel National News. This followed a vote in November 2025 where 93% of FAI members supported lobbying UEFA for Israel's suspension from international football, according to a vote reported by Israel National News. An independent UN commission concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, findings which Israeli authorities have rejected, according to reports.

Timeline

On 2026-09-26, Gavin Bazunu posted a statement on social media saying he felt it would be wrong to participate in the fixtures against Israel. On 2026-09-27, the Republic of Ireland defeated Israel 3-0 in a UEFA Nations League match. Also on 2026-09-27, Republic of Ireland players did not shake hands with Israel players before or after the match.

The Republic of Ireland squad bowed their heads during the playing of Israel's national anthem on that date. Republic of Ireland players wore black armbands during the match on 2026-09-27. There was no exchange of pennants between Republic of Ireland captain Dara O'Shea and Israel captain Manor Solomon on 2026-09-27. Israeli supporters directed racist chants towards Adam Idah during the match on 2026-09-27.

What's New

Additional reporting indicates the Republic of Ireland will play their next game against Austria at the Aviva Stadium on Thursday, followed by a match against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4. The Republic of Ireland will play their next game against Israel in Backa Topola, Serbia, on October 4, 2026, which is scheduled to be held behind closed doors.

Republic of Ireland players wore black armbands during the match. In November 2025, 93% of FAI members supported lobbying UEFA for Israel's suspension from international football, according to a vote reported by Israel National News. Paul Cooke, FAI president, stated that the FAI had spoken to Austria and Kosovo, who reaffirmed their decisions to play the games against Israel, according to reports.