This morning the pre-game press conference was delayed while the FAI was said to be consulting the players wishes to play the game after at least one member of the team withdrew from the game due to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
The FAI have stated that "The Association made this decision following consultation with the Republic of Ireland players who shared different views and a majority expressed that the fixtures should be played."
The match has been a heavily debated topic since its announcement with protests across the country calling to "stop the game". In response to the controversy the match was moved from Ireland to a neutral ground, namely .
Members of the public have called for the Republic Of Ireland players to boycott the game while many other hope they continue to play.
Gavin Bazunu was the first Republic of Ireland play to bring to attention that he wanted to withdraw from the squad ahead of the game.
