DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) — The Ireland team’s press conference the day before the first of its Nations League games against Israel has been delayed as pressure to boycott the matches grows.
Journalists in Debrecen, Hungary — where Israel’s “home” game is to be played Sunday — were left waiting Saturday after being told the press conference was being pushed back until after training. That was 15 minutes before it was supposed to begin.
Training was also delayed, however, with Irish broadcaster RTÉ reporting the players were still in their hotel when it was supposed to begin.
The team has been coming under increasing pressure in Ireland, where affinity with Palestinians is strong, to boycott the two games — the first on Sunday and the second, Ireland’s “home” game, in Backa Topola, Serbia on Oct. 4.
Ireland midfielder Jason Knight said after Thursday’s 1-0 loss in Kosovo that the players were in a difficult situation and that he didn’t think the matches should be going ahead.
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson previously said “we’re not playing with genocide, we’re playing against genocide. We’re playing against Israel, we’re not playing with Israel” — drawing a furious reaction from the Israeli soccer federation, which accused the Icelandic coach of “stupidity, ignorance and hypocrisy.”
The Football Association of Ireland had resisted calls to boycott the matches, arguing the team could be hit be punishing sanctions by UEFA. Ireland is co-hosting the 2028 European Championship with England, Wales and Scotland.
More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the FAI to reconsider its decision to go ahead with the fixtures.
See AP’s full soccer coverage here
FILE - Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson ahead of the World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Hungary and Ireland in Budapest, Hungary, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Denes Erdos, File)
Ireland's Jack Moylan, right, challenges for the ball with Kosovo's Albian Hajdari during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kosovo and Ireland in Pristina, Kosovo, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
Ireland's players pose for the team picture before the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Kosovo and Ireland in Pristina, Kosovo, Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
BANGKOK (AP) — Incessant rain hammered several areas of Thailand ’s capital on Saturday, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds to evacuate, as authorities declared the city a disaster area.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned that the deluge, which has been pouring since Thursday afternoon, would continue in most parts of the country through Sunday.
Accumulated rainfall in many areas of Bangkok since Thursday exceeded 30 centimeters (11.8 inches), officials said. Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in the central and eastern parts, blocking roads and stopping traffic.
While not all parts of Bangkok were submerged, the city declared all of its 50 districts a flood disaster area to allow authorities to respond rapidly to the crisis.
More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region. Authorities sent emergency warning messages through the cellphones, the government said.
Hwang Hwan-chung, who flew from South Korea and has visited Bangkok a dozen times, said he had never seen such “crazy” weather, adding that he couldn’t find a taxi.
Sukanya Tongsuk, a resident, said the current flooding was similar to the last time Bangkok was hit in 2011.
Meanwhile, Dutch resident Bjorn Franken, who has lived in the capital for two years, said he was able to cope although one event he wanted to attend had been canceled.
Many businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday due to flooding.
Cars crawled along waterlogged roads in parts of Bangkok, and bikers were seen pushing their motorcycles. Authorities said some regional bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended.
Phetchaburi Road, one of the capital’s busiest, was unusually quiet as vehicles were turned back by floods. Some were left partially submerged.
Residents made their way through murky waters, carrying fresh water and food. Some were barefoot and others wearing rubber waders while several wrapped plastic bags around their feet to keep dry.
Air traffic control authorities confirmed flight operations were normal but some flights might face delays.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
More than 200 shelters were set up across the city and about 900 people have moved in, Chadchart said.
Man wades through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
In this photo taken with a smartphone, people wade through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Schreck)
A woman wades through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The streets are flooded after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
People wade through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Men push motorcycles as they wade through floodwaters after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
The streets are flooded after heavy rain in Bangkok, Thailand, Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
This image taken from a video shows the flooded streets in Bangkok, Thailand Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, after heavy rain. (AP Photo)
