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World Cup qualifying
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- 1Ireland players vote to play World Cup qualifier against Israel▼Ireland squad vote to play Israel tie despite Gaza unease
Ireland's football squad has voted to go ahead with their World Cup qualifying match against Israel, despite unease among some players over the situation in Gaza. The decision means the fixture will proceed as scheduled, with the squad choosing to fulfil the commitment rather than boycott. The vote highlights the tension felt within the team over competing professional obligations and moral concerns about the conflict.
- 2Mohamed Salah to miss Egypt's South Sudan World Cup qualifier over artificial pitch●Egyptian star Mohamed Salah to miss South Sudan clash over artificial pitch
Egypt and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah will sit out Egypt's World Cup qualifier against South Sudan, reportedly due to concerns over the artificial pitch at the match venue. Salah is one of Africa's biggest football stars and Egypt's captain, so his absence is a significant blow for the Pharaohs as they chase qualification. Fans and commentators are debating the risk artificial turf poses to elite players and what it means for Egypt's chances without their leading scorer.