Irish athletes group urges national team to boycott matches against Israeli soccer team
Irish Sport for Palestine said the signatories included Olympian Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby flyhalf Tony Ward, and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan.
More than 160 Irish athletes have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel, according to the Irish Sport for Palestine Group. The matches are scheduled for September 27 in Hungary and October 4 in Serbia, both to be played at neutral venues and behind closed doors due to player and fan protests over the Gaza conflict.
Notable signatories include Olympian Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby player Tony Ward, and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. The letter states that not playing the game would be the most "sporting thing" the team could do, emphasizing its potential to unite people and highlight shared values. In May, Irish footballers and celebrities had already called for a boycott of the matches against Israel.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has voted to support the boycott, but the team has ultimately decided to play the matches, citing potential sanctions. FAI coach Heimir Hallgrimsson expressed that none of the players feel comfortable participating in these games.
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