Report: Ireland government willing to back federation's boycott of Israel match

According to Irish media, Ireland government was willing to back football federation if it chose to boycott match on Sunday against Israel national team in Nations League, even at cost of major sanctions, while crisis in national team only intensifying.

Crisis in Irish national team ahead of Sunday match against Israel national team in Nations League intensifying, and according to report it concerns UEFA as well. According to reports, five Irish players unwilling to take part in match.

According to Irish media, government was willing to back football federation if it chose to boycott match, risking major sanctions. Irish journalist Gavin Coney wrote: "Source from one of players said government should intervene and manage this situation." However, as of 15:15 (Israeli time) it was reported in Ireland that no federation official arrived at hotel where national team players staying.

Irish journalist Neil O'Riordan reported that disagreements exist also within federation itself, and according to him "relationship between federation and coach Heimir Hallgrimsson facing serious rift." Press conference that was supposed to take place at 11:15 (Israeli time) postponed to 13:30 and then to 16:30, without updating UEFA or Israeli federation.