Story perspectives

Azaz May Quit Ireland After Israel Window

By Drooid · Sep 27, 2026, 10:53 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) says midfielder Finn Azaz might end his international career after the Israel window.
Irish squad voted to fulfill the Nations League match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday.
FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed the team will play but will not shake hands with Israeli players.
Second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, citing personal belief that killing innocent people is wrong.

History

Historical Context

In July-August 1976 the Montreal Olympics faced a boycott when 29 nations, led by Congolese official Jean-Claude Ganga, withdrew after the IOC refused to bar New Zealand, whose rugby team had toured apartheid South Africa. The protest echoed earlier UN calls for a sporting embargo and foreshadowed the politically-motivated boycotts of the 1980 and 1984 Games.

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Story summary

Football Association of Ireland (FAI) says midfielder Finn Azaz might end his international career after the Israel window.
Irish squad voted to fulfill the Nations League match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary on Sunday.
FAI chief executive David Courell confirmed the team will play but will not shake hands with Israeli players.
Second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew, citing personal belief that killing innocent people is wrong.

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