Irish Footballers and Celebrities Urge Boycott of Israeli Matches

Dublin-based Campaign Group Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza Ahead of UEFA Match

A campaign group called Irish Sport for Palestine has sent an open letter to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) accusing Israel of engaging in “genocide” during the war in Gaza. The letter, signed by several high-profile individuals including footballers and celebrities, urges the FAI to boycott a UEFA Nations League match against Israel later this year.

The campaign group claims that Israel has breached UEFA and FIFA statutes by allowing teams to play on occupied Palestinian land. In November 2025, 93% of FAI members voted in favor of pressing UEFA to suspend Israel under those statutes. The Irish governing body is now being asked to respect and represent the wishes of its members.

The letter includes a statement from Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes, who says that the humanitarian crisis in Palestine must take precedence over any sporting consideration. Ireland is set to host Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4, while a September 27 fixture is expected to be staged at a neutral venue.

Israel has denied committing genocide during the war in Gaza. The FAI’s Chief Executive David Courell stated that the national team had no choice but to fulfill its obligations or risk harming the long-term sporting interests of Irish football. A poll by the Irish Football Supporters Partnership found 76% of respondents opposed the fixture being played.

The FAI has yet to respond to the letter, and it is unclear whether the match against Israel will go ahead as planned.

Source: Al Jazeera