Ireland confirm they WILL play Israel after chaotic morning of discussions

LAST UPDATE | 33 mins ago

An editorial note re: The 42’s reporting on the Uefa Nations League matches between Ireland and Israel is available to read here.

THE REPUBLIC OF Ireland men’s squad will face Israel in the Nations League tomorrow.

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Speaking at a press conference that was delayed by five hours and 15 minutes as players were locked in discussions, FAI chief executive David Courell confirms game will go ahead.

Four hours of conversations and a vote among players in the last 90 minutes was deciding factor. Majority of players willing to fulfill fixture and FAI have pressed ahead.

Fulfilling the fixture had been in the balance as players debated the situation. As reported by the Irish Independent, Gavin Bazunu is one player who does not want to play the game, and The 42 understands that up to five of his teammates were also wavering.

Players and team officials were in a meeting room at the team hotel in Debrecen for most of today.

Earlier this morning, the FAI announced a delay of over two hours to their pre-match conference ahead of the Israel game in Hungary.

Additional reporting by Sinéad Farrell

More to follow…