The Republic of Ireland delayed their pre-match news conference ahead of the Sunday Uefa Nations League fixture against Israel in Hungary. Campaigners have urged the team to boycott the game due to the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Former manager Brian Kerr and international James McClean supported the calls for withdrawal.

However, some supporters believe the match should proceed with fans present. Heimir Hallgrimsson and a player were due to meet media at 09:15 BST, but the session was postponed until after training. A Uefa official later announced the training session itself was also delayed.

The uncertainty added to reports that at least one player wished to withdraw from the squad. It has since emerged the conference will now be held at the team hotel rather than the stadium. Uefa could not explain the delay.

The fixture has been controversial since the draw, with a team meeting held on Friday for players to discuss their views. The ongoing conflict stems from the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent military offensive in Gaza.