Gavin Bazunu, the goalkeeper for the Republic of Ireland national team, has decided to boycott two matches that his country's team will play against Israel in the UEFA Nations League.
Bazuno decided not to participate in the Ireland match and informed his national team of his decision following a meeting held by the team on Friday to determine its official position regarding the match.
Bazunu wrote on his Instagram account: "Representing my country means everything to me, and I respect all my teammates, the coach and his technical staff, and the Irish people."
He added: "However, I made a decision that was not easy for me at all. I am a man of strong faith and I strive to be a person of morals and principles, and therefore I feel that it would be wrong to participate in the upcoming matches against Israel."
He continued, saying: "My decision stems entirely from my personal conviction that killing innocent people is wrong, and it is important to emphasize that my position is not directed against the Israeli people or the Jewish community, but rather it is a position against the atrocities taking place in the region."
He concluded: "One rarely gets the chance in life to champion a higher and greater cause, and I firmly believe that this is one of those opportunities."
Some of Bazuno’s teammates had considered joining him in boycotting the match, but a vote was held among the team members, and they decided to play the match by a majority vote of 14 players in favor and 8 against.
A statement issued by the Football Association of Ireland read: "The Football Association of Ireland confirms that the scheduled matches against Israel in the UEFA Nations League for the 2026-2027 season will take place."
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