Updated

Ireland's men's football team faced mounting pressure to boycott its UEFA Nations League match against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, after goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu said he would refuse to play in protest of Israel's actions in Gaza. Following a squad vote, a significant majority of players decided to proceed with the fixture, though one player withdrew and the team wore black armbands to mark 'all lives lost in the conflict.' The episode reflects broader debate within European sports over engagement with Israeli teams amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, with pro-Palestinian activists and some players pushing for sporting boycotts similar to those applied to other conflict zones.