Ireland Soccer Team Agrees to Train at Stadium After UEFA Pressure

The Republic of Ireland national football team has agreed to train at the stadium in Bačka Topola, Serbia, where their upcoming match will be held, after initially refusing. The team had informed UEFA on Thursday that they did not want to train in the evening at the stadium, demanding a morning practice slot instead, which is when the Israeli team trains in Novi Sad. This decision came after earlier actions by the Irish team, including players wearing black armbands, bowing their heads during the Israeli national anthem, and refusing to exchange pennants or shake hands.

UEFA was reportedly angered by the Irish team's stance and was awaiting a change in their position, as the visiting team typically dictates training times and locations according to protocol. Failure to comply could have resulted in a fine for Ireland. However, the Irish team later relented and decided to train at the stadium.

In parallel, the chairman of the Football Association of Israel, שינו זוארץ, along with his deputies מורן מאירי and רונן מוסקוביץ, will travel to Serbia. They will not meet with representatives of the Irish team, mirroring a similar lack of engagement when Ireland visited Israel in Debrecen.

The match itself is being held in Bačka Topola due to concerns about potential protests within the stadium and will be played without a crowd. Despite this, the Shin Bet has increased security around the Israeli team due to fears of attempts to disrupt order. A helicopter will be deployed from two hours before the game until the Israeli team returns to their hotel, and five patrol cars will escort the Israeli delegation's buses.