Ireland coach confirms second match against 'Israel' will proceed as scheduled

• Hallgrímsson reiterated that the squad and the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) are committed to fulfilling all planned fixtures.
• The manager stated he was unaware of any upcoming team meetings.
• The match takes place amid widespread public demands in Ireland for the national team to boycott fixtures against 'Israel' over its military operations in Gaza.

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrímsson confirmed on Wednesday that the UEFA Nations League will play their second football match against 'Israel' as planned in Serbia, denying speculation that the match might be called off.

“The FAI has said we are playing both games and we will fulfil that,” Hallgrímsson said. “That was our intention when we came into this camp. It has been really, really tough, especially on the players, but we are trying to focus on Austria. It is already decided that we are going to fulfil the games.”

Hallgrímsson also clarified that he was unaware of any planned team meetings among players regarding the Sunday fixture. When asked if a last-minute situation could arise similar to the prior week in Hungary where squad members held a vote on whether to play the day before the match, the manager voiced caution based on past experience.

“No, but we thought that as well before the first game,” Hallgrímsson said.

The controversy follows mounting public calls within Ireland for the national team to boycott both matches against ‘Israel’ in protest of its military actions in Gaza.