Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has said his team will play its second fixture against Israel, according to BBC. The confirmation follows the sides' first meeting in the Nations League, where Irish players declined to shake hands with their opponents and wore black armbands, Dawn reported.
Coverage of the team's position ahead of the return match had been mixed. The Express Tribune reported that Ireland was undecided on the second Israel match, before Hallgrimsson's comments, carried by BBC, settled the question.
The first fixture drew attention beyond the scoreline because of the players' actions during the Nations League clash. Dawn reported that the Irish squad refused handshakes and wore black armbands at that game.
Separately, Hallgrimsson spoke about Finn Azaz, saying the player is someone he admires greatly, according to Extra.ie.
The governing body is also facing scrutiny off the pitch. RTE.ie reported that the FAI is due to appear before the Oireachtas, describing the situation as a difficult one for the association.
What to watch next: whether the FAI addresses the fixture and the players' protest during its Oireachtas appearance, and how the squad approaches the second Israel match.
