Arabic version: الرياضيون الإيرلنديون يدعون لمقاطعة مباراة كرة القدم مع إسرائيل

Leading Irish footballers and celebrities have joined a campaign urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott a UEFA Nations League match against Israel later this year. This initiative, spearheaded by the group Irish Sport for Palestine, is rooted in accusations against Israel of engaging in genocide during the war in Gaza. The group has sent an open letter to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) highlighting concerns over Israel’s compliance with UEFA and FIFA statutes due to the match being held on occupied Palestinian land. According to Al Jazeera, the letter is titled “Stop the Game” and has garnered support from notable figures, including League of Ireland players and acclaimed musicians.

The campaign gained momentum following a November 2025 vote in which 93 percent of FAI members voted for its leadership to press UEFA to suspend Israel under its statutes. The letter’s signatories include former men’s coach Brian Kerr and twice women’s player of the year Louise Quinn, alongside prominent cultural figures like Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea and the Irish rock band Fontaines D.C.

Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes, who is also the chair of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland, emphasized the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, stating that the loss of life should take precedence over sporting events. Lopes remarked, “Ireland has an opportunity here to lead and do what others won’t.”

Ireland are set to host Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4, while a September 27 fixture designated as an Israeli home match is expected to be staged at a neutral venue. Despite the campaign, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin has expressed his support for the matches, arguing that while the government opposes Israeli policies, sport should not be conflated with political issues. FAI Chief Executive David Courell has previously indicated that the national team must fulfill its obligations to avoid jeopardizing future competitions.

Public sentiment appears to align with the boycott, as a poll conducted by the Irish Football Supporters Partnership revealed that 76 percent of respondents oppose the match being played. The growing divide between public opinion and governmental stance underscores the complex interplay of sports and politics in Ireland’s engagement with Israel.