Republic of Ireland delay pre-match news conference ahead of contested Israel fixture

The Republic of Ireland delayed a pre-match news conference that had been scheduled ahead of Sunday's UEFA Nations League game against Israel, which is being played in Hungary rather than Israel itself.

The fixture has drawn criticism from campaigners who have urged the Football Association of Ireland and the national team to boycott the match altogether, citing the ongoing conflict in Gaza and calling for sporting bodies to suspend engagement with Israeli teams.

Match relocated to Hungary

The game is being staged in Hungary rather than Israel, a scheduling arrangement that has become more common for matches involving Israeli national and club sides amid security concerns and political sensitivities tied to the war in Gaza.

It was not immediately specified why the news conference was delayed or whether it would be rescheduled before kickoff. Football associations across Europe have faced growing pressure from advocacy groups and some players over continued sporting ties with Israel, though UEFA has continued to allow Israeli teams to compete in its competitions.

The Football Association of Ireland has not issued a detailed public statement responding to the boycott calls specifically tied to this fixture.