In this video
- The FAI chief executive said a meeting yesterday ended with the squad's consensus to travel to Hungary. This morning a player told the head coach of their discomfort and intent to withdraw.
- After four more hours of talks, the chief executive said, a squad vote returned a significant majority to continue. The association then decided the game would go ahead.
- Asked about a gesture or protest, the FAI chief executive said players intend to wear black armbands in recognition of all lives lost in the conflict. They have also asked to drop media duties.
ββ¦it's two choices and both are tough and badβ¦β
- Asked if he regrets saying Israel is committing genocide, the head coach said it was a strong word, and a wrong word for him to use. By playing, he said, Ireland are not accepting what is happening.
- Asked how it came to this, the chief executive said the FAI has been consistent in intending to fulfil the games. The general assembly backed that position with 68% support.
- Asked why talks were still going on the eve of the match, the chief executive cited extensive summer engagement. The FAI owns the decision but feels its implications for players are deeply unfair.
- Asked if the pre-match ceremony changes include handshakes, the chief executive said they will not take place. There is also no intention of a pennant exchange or the customary photograph.
Republic of Ireland held a squad vote over whether to fulfil the fixture vs Israel national team after one player told head coach Heimir HallgrΓmsson they intended to withdraw.
FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed that, following hours of talks involving the players, coaching staff and association, a significant majority voted for the fixtures to go ahead.
HallgrΓmsson said the situation had affected the squad and confirmed that one player had withdrawn, while the remaining players were set to continue training and remain available as discussions carried on.
Ireland’s manager also addressed the pressure surrounding the Israel matches and explained why the squad had ultimately decided to play.
Courell revealed that the players intended to wear black armbands while Ireland would also not take part in elements of the pre-match ceremony.
The squad requested to be excused from further media duties during the international window, with players and the FAI also planning a charitable contribution.
The press conference covers the Ireland squad vote, the player’s withdrawal, and the decision to proceed with the Israel fixture.
