More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the Republic of Ireland senior men's football team to boycott their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Israel, citing the country's historical anti-colonial stance and broader political concerns.
The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to face Israel on 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary, followed by a reverse fixture on 4 October in Bačka Topola, Serbia. Both matches will be played at neutral venues, with the FAI confirming that no tickets will be sold to Irish supporters and the domestic fixture will be held behind closed doors.
The campaign, linked to the "Stop The Game" initiative, has been coordinated by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group. Signatories include Olympian Ciara Mageean, former Republic of Ireland footballer Louise Quinn, rugby international Lynne Cantwell, ex-Ireland rugby fly-half Tony Ward—who previously boycotted an Irish rugby tour of South Africa—and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. The list also encompasses GAA figures Padraig O'Hora, Joe Brolly, Colm O'Rourke, Michael Darragh Macauley, Philly McMahon, Valerie Mulcahy and Rena Buckley, alongside para-athlete Alan Dineen and ultimate frisbee player Stephen Jones, both of whom boycotted fixtures against Israel earlier in 2026.
The open letter states that the Football Association of Ireland, UEFA and the Irish government should have intervened before this stage, but argues there remains an opportunity to demonstrate sport's unifying power. According to reporting on the campaign, signatories are calling on players to "act collectively with conscience" and "seize the moment."
"This is a significant moment and with this moment you have an opportunity to do the right thing. Putting on the Irish jersey and representing your country means something. But the Ireland we want represented is the one that remembers its roots in anti-colonial and anti-imperial resistance, which Irish sport played a large part of."
"This moment symbolises something deeper, it is bigger than sport. But in a way this IS sport. Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do. Through your leadership and courage, it would show the power of sport to unite, remind us of the shared values that connect us all, and have an impact far beyond the game."
What is the FAI's position?
The FAI has committed to fulfilling the fixtures despite mounting pressure. In July, the FAI's General Assembly endorsed a motion to proceed with the Nations League matches against Israel, with 75 votes in favour, 32 against and three abstentions from the 114 delegates present. The association previously warned that boycotting the games would cause "significant and lasting harm" to Irish football and result in substantial financial penalties.
According to Irish Times reporting, the direct cost of a boycott would be €5.5 million, with potential sanctions rising the total to nearly twice that figure. The FAI has also faced criticism over UEFA's rejection of its request to keep Ireland and Israel separated in future competition draws, according to coverage of the dispute.
What has the head coach said?
Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has held individual conversations with squad members about the prospect of facing Israel. He acknowledged that the team collectively feels uncomfortable with the fixtures but has pledged to fulfil the FAI's commitment to play. Hallgrimsson's approach reflects the tension between player sentiment and institutional obligations.
What is the broader context?
The controversy surrounding these fixtures reflects earlier organisational positions on the Middle East conflict. According to background reporting, a November 2025 FAI vote saw 93% of members back lobbying UEFA to suspend Israel from competition. The Irish Sport for Palestine campaign argues that UEFA and FIFA statutes are being breached by Israeli teams competing on occupied Palestinian land.
The Nations League matches mark the Republic of Ireland's first competitive action since their World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to the Czech Republic in March 2026. Since that penalty shootout loss in Prague, the team has played four friendlies, recording victories against Grenada and Qatar while drawing with North Macedonia and Canada.
What happens next?
The first fixture takes place on 27 September in Debrecen, Hungary, with the return match scheduled for 4 October in Bačka Topola, Serbia. The FAI will not sell tickets to Irish supporters for either game, and the domestic fixture will be played behind closed doors. Hallgrimsson continues to manage squad availability decisions ahead of kickoff, with the outcome of the boycott campaign still uncertain as the matches approach.
Key Facts:
- More than 160 Irish athletes have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the Israel fixtures
- The FAI voted 75-32 in July to proceed with the matches despite boycott pressure
- A boycott would cost the FAI an estimated €5.5 million directly, potentially doubling with sporting sanctions
- Both matches will be played at neutral venues with no tickets available to Irish supporters
- Head coach Hallgrimsson has confirmed the squad feels uncomfortable but remains committed to playing
