Republic of Ireland delay pre-match news conference before Israel Nations League game in Debrecen

The Republic of Ireland delayed a pre-match news conference on Sunday ahead of their Uefa Nations League fixture against Israel in Debrecen, Hungary, with the top table remaining empty at the appointed time. The postponement occurred hours before the side were due to meet in Debrecen at 19:45 BST.

The fixture has been the focus of a boycott campaign led by Irish Sport for Palestine, which has promoted a "Stop The Game" initiative calling on Ireland to withdraw because of the Israel-Gaza war. Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and ex-international James McClean are among those who have backed calls for a boycott, while other Irish supporters have argued the match should be played with fans present. The two teams were drawn in Group B3, a draw that has contributed to the controversy, and the return fixture is scheduled for Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October.

Heimir Hallgrimsson and a player had been due to meet the media at 09:15 BST (10.15 local time) before training, but the conference was delayed shortly beforehand. A Uefa official entered the media room to tell reporters the press conference would be postponed until after training, which would have been about 11:30 BST (12.30 local time).

Shortly after, the same Uefa official returned to announce the Republic of Ireland's training session had also been postponed and gave no time for when it might take place. There is no confirmed time for the news conference following those announcements.

A team meeting took place on Friday to allow players to air their views on Sunday's game and the return fixture in Serbia, and players were expected to release a statement at Saturday's news conference. The delay ahead of the scheduled media appearance added further uncertainty, with some reports saying at least one player wished to withdraw from the squad.

It later emerged the news conference scheduled to take place at the stadium was set to be staged at the team hotel, with Uefa unable to provide information regarding the delay. The top table had remained empty when media arrived at the original venue.

The return fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Israel is due to be played in Backa Topola, Serbia on 4 October, while there remains no confirmed time for the postponed Republic of Ireland news conference.