Enzo Maresca makes cryptic comment; pressure grows on Republic of Ireland: matchday live – as it happened

11.41am BST

I’ve seen plenty of questions about Manchester City in the comments…

What happens next?

Will City appeal?

What could the punishment be?

Could they be relegated?

Some of your questions have been answered below:

Related: Manchester City verdict: what happens next, will club appeal and could they be relegated?

11.32am BST

Plenty of Oasis/Manchester City chat in the comments today!

Speaking of, did you manage to get tickets for their tour next year? Oasis’ that is, not City.

parttimepunk 26 September 2026 8:51am New Oasis album! - 'Definitely Guilty' - OUT NOW!

11.20am BST

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. Press Association

11.10am BST

Maresca approached for comment Enzo Maresca was approached for comment regarding if Manchester City’s manager is seeking reassurance from the club regarding their continued stance of innocence.