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Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Republic of Ireland game against Israel
Original: Republic of Ireland's Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Israel game - 'It would be wrong to participate' https://www.nytimes.c
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has withdrawn from the squad's Nations League fixture against Israel, saying 'it would be wrong to participate'. The decision links sport and politics, with the Israel national team's continued participation in European competition remaining a contested issue amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Reaction is focusing on whether other players or federations might follow his stance.
Why now: A high-profile player publicly boycotting an international match against Israel over political grounds is unusual and contentious.
Gavin BazunuRepublic of IrelandIsraelNations League
Evidence
- Republic of Ireland's Gavin Bazunu withdraws from Israel game - 'It would be wrong to participate' https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633024/2026/09/26/gavin-bazunu-boycott-israel-republic-of-ireland-nations-league/ # Sports # Soccer # Politics · nyt_sports@robot.villas · 2
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