Irish players join calls to boycott Israel Nations League match

A group of leading Irish footballers has added its voice to a growing campaign urging the Republic of Ireland to boycott an upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel, bringing a politically charged debate into the middle of the sport’s calendar.

The push comes in the form of an open letter sent to the Football Association of Ireland by campaign group Irish Sport for Palestine. It accuses Israel of engaging in “genocide” in Gaza and argues that allowing Israeli teams to compete breaches UEFA and FIFA statutes, including those related to matches played on occupied Palestinian land.

The letter reflects a broader sentiment within parts of Irish football. In November 2025, 93 percent of FAI members voted for leadership to press UEFA to suspend Israel under those rules — a mandate campaigners now say should be “respect and represent”.

Among the signatories are current League of Ireland players, former men’s national team coach Brian Kerr and two-time women’s player of the year Louise Quinn. The appeal has also drawn support from figures outside football, including musicians and actors, giving it a wider cultural footprint.

At the centre of the argument is whether sport can remain separate from politics in the context of an ongoing conflict. Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes framed it in stark terms:

“We can’t ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration,” he said. “Ireland has an opportunity here to lead and do what others won’t.”

The fixtures themselves are already scheduled. Ireland is due to host Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4, while a September 27 match listed as an Israeli home game is expected to be played at a neutral venue.

The Irish government has taken a different view. Prime Minister Micheal Martin said the matches should proceed, while acknowledging the broader political tensions. “We have been critics and have opposed very strongly Israeli government policy within Gaza in particular. We condemned the Hamas attack on Israel which was absolutely horrific,” he said. “I think sport is an area that can be challenging when it crosses into the realm of politics.”

Inside the FAI, the issue is also framed in practical terms. Chief executive David Courell warned earlier this year that failing to fulfil fixtures could carry consequences for Irish football, including potential sanctions or exclusion from future competitions.

Public opinion appears divided but leaning against the matches. A poll by the Irish Football Supporters Partnership found 76 percent of respondents opposed the fixture going ahead.