Irish player of Israeli descent could retire from international soccer after Israel match - report

Reports from Irish media indicate that Finn Azaz, an Irish-Israeli soccer player, is considering retiring from international soccer following tensions surrounding his team's upcoming match against Israel. The 42 reported on Sunday that Azaz, whose mother is Israeli and grandmother served in the IDF, made an impassioned speech during a team meeting to decide whether to forfeit the match, play with a statement, or without one. The report suggests the retirement possibility may have been raised by the Football Association of Ireland. Azaz has not made public statements on the matter. The Irish team decided to play both fixtures against Israel on Sunday and October 4, with no clear on-pitch action. FAI CEO David Courell said players would not shake hands with Israeli players. Second-choice goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu withdrew from the fixture, stating his decision was based on his belief that killing innocent people is wrong, clarifying it is not against Israeli people or the Jewish community but against atrocities in the region.