FAI says most Ireland players voted to play Israel fixture
The FAI says a significant majority of Republic of Ireland players voted to fulfil their Nations League match against Israel in Hungary on Sunday, after one player withdrew from the squad.
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that the Republic of Ireland's Nations League match against Israel will go ahead on Sunday in Hungary. Chief executive David Courell said the decision followed a vote among the squad.
According to Courell, one player did not want to take part in the fixture and left the squad before the ballot was held. He said a "significant majority" of the remaining players then voted in favour of fulfilling the game.
The confirmation came as the FAI chief executive addressed the media in the build-up to the match. He provided the details of the internal process that led to the squad's position being settled ahead of the game in Hungary.
Reaction to the FAI's announcement has included contrasting views among supporters, with opinions divided over whether the fixture should proceed. The players' vote and the withdrawal of one member of the squad are the central facts confirmed by the association.
The match is scheduled for Sunday in Hungary as part of the Nations League. The FAI has stated that the game will be played, ending uncertainty over whether it would take place.
