'Within the last 90 minutes we carried out a squad vote': Ireland's game against Israel to proceed

The sides will face off in Debrecen tomorrow. 

FAI chief executive officer David Courell during the Republic of Ireland press conference at Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile

Ireland will fulfil Sunday’s Uefa Nations League game against Israel after a vote was taken of players at the team hotel in Hungary.

Gavin Bazunu was the first player to officially make himself unavailable this morning and while there were others who voted against proceeding, the FAI say a significant majority opted to.

Today’s pre-match press conference was delayed for over five hours as meetings were held at the team hotel, initially among the squad before Heimir Hallgrímsson was involved.

When the press conference did proceed, the manager was flanked by chief executive David Courell and director of football John Martin.

No players will be fulfilling any media engagements for the remaining three games of the window, at their request.

Players won’t engage in the customary pre-match rituals such as handshakes, pennant exchange and team photographs.

“This morning a player expressed their discomfort to the head coach and indicated their intent to withdraw from the squad,” said Courell.

“This new variable required time and deliberation for the squad to consider. What preceded was another four hours on conversation, mainly with players but at times with staff and the executive.

"A lot of positions were presented. We were fully respectful of everyone's right to have their opinion on these topics.

He added about the matter coming to a head: "Ultimately, within the last 90 minutes we carried out a squad vote on fulfilling the fixtures. A significant majority [to play] was the result. The association took the decision to fulfil these fixtures."

"One of the players' requests was to remove their media obligations for this window.

“They also have the intention of wearing black armbands. Elements of the pre-match ceremony won’t be partaken by Ireland. It is the intention of the players and FAI to make a significant contribution to charity."

The manager said: “This is about limiting the damage. We don’t know the consequence of not playing the game but this affects all of the players, nobody is comfortable.” Further talks are due after training. “We have not got a conclusion on this. There will be more discussions tonight and tomorrow because it is a unique situation."

Despite Hallgrímsson stressing he’d spoken to each player individually about their appetite to participating that transpires not to be the case.

“I contacted all the outfield players,” said the Icelander.