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Ireland press conference delayed amid calls to boycott Israel matches

4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 10:44 AM

Last updated Sep 26, 2026

Ireland press conference delayed amid calls to boycott Israel matches

Summary

The Ireland soccer team's press conference before their Nations League games against Israel has been postponed due to growing pressure to boycott. The event, set for Debrecen, Hungary, was delayed until after training, with players reportedly still at their hotel when it was scheduled to begin. Calls for a boycott stem from strong sentiments in Ireland supporting Palestinians, especially ahead of the first match on September 27 and a second game on October 4 in Serbia. Ireland midfielder Jason Knight voiced concerns over the matches proceeding, while coach Heimir Hallgrimsson defended the team's decision to play. More than 160 Irish sports figures have signed an open letter urging reconsideration of the fixtures.

Source Links

BBC Sport Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Press conference delayed until after training session
•Ireland faces Israel in Nations League on September 27
•Calls for boycott linked to solidarity with Palestinians
•Ireland's next match scheduled for October 4 in Serbia
•Over 160 Irish sportspeople signed letter urging boycott

Latest Updates

10:44 AMBBC Sport — Republic of Ireland news conference delayed before controversial Israel game
10:29 AMYahoo Sports — Republic of Ireland press conference and training delayed ahead of controversial Israel clash
10:03 AMYahoo Sports — Ireland press conference before Israel games delayed as pressure to boycott grows

What they're saying

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The Ireland team’s press conference the day before the first of its Nations League games against Israel has been delayed as pressure to boycott the matches grows. Journalists in Debrecen, Hungary — where Israel’s “home” game is to be played Sunday — were left waiting Saturday after being told the press conference was being pushed back until after training. The team has been coming under increasing pressure in Ireland, where affinity with Palestinians is strong, to boycott the two games — the first on Sunday and the second, Ireland’s “home” game, in Backa Topola, Serbia on Oct. 4.
— Yahoo Sports

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The Republic of Ireland delay the pre-match news conference planned for Sunday's Uefa Nations League game against Israel in Hungary - a fixture campaigners have called on them to boycott.
— BBC Sport