Irish Sports Figures Call for National Team Boycott Against Israel
Over 160 Irish sports figures urged their national team to boycott upcoming Nations League matches against Israel, amid mounting political pressure and ongoing controversy.
The smear campaign in Ireland against Israel ahead of the upcoming Nations League matches continues to escalate. Following harsh remarks made against Israel by Ireland's national team coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, reports in the Irish media on Monday indicated that over 160 Irish sports figures have signed an open letter to the national team. The signatories call on the players to act with a clear conscience and refuse to participate in the two upcoming matches against Israel during the international break.
The letter was published by the group "Irish Sport for Palestine," which urged the players to seize the moment. Among the signatories are prominent names from Irish sports, including rugby stars, Olympic athletes, former Republic of Ireland football internationals, boxers, as well as Paralympic athlete Alan Dineen and ultimate frisbee player Stephen Jones—both of whom previously boycotted fixtures against Israeli athletes earlier this year. The letter claims that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), UEFA, and the Irish government have failed the players, arguing that they should never have been placed in a position where they must confront the issue of playing against Israel.
Appeals and Official Stances
Despite these pressures, the letter's authors assert that there is still time for the association and the government to act and prevent the two matches from taking place. "This is a significant moment, and you have the opportunity to do the right thing," the letter states. "Wearing the Irish shirt and representing the country is deeply important. However, the Ireland we want you to represent is one that remembers its roots in anti-colonial and anti-imperial resistance, in which Irish sport has played a significant part."
"People like me and David [Courl] made this decision, not the players. We must protect the players and care for them, because we must not reach a situation where they face criticism." — John Martin
The appeal to the players comes just days after the FAI reiterated its intention to proceed with both fixtures against Israel. FAI CEO David Courl stated that the association is unwilling to act unilaterally, while simultaneously continuing to press UEFA with demands to suspend Israel from international competitions. Earlier last week, FAI official John Martin urged the public to direct criticism away from the national team players regarding the games.
Match Logistics and Security
The Israel national team is scheduled to face Ireland on September 27 and October 4. Neither match will take place in the home stadiums of the two respective teams—for Israel due to the security situation, and for Ireland due to concerns over violent protests outside the stadium. Consequently, both fixtures will be held on neutral ground in Hungary and Serbia.
