More than 160 Irish athletes urge national team to boycott Israel Nations League fixtures
More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter asking the Ireland national football team to boycott their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, the Irish Sport for Palestine Group said on Monday (September 2026).
The appeal follows earlier public campaigns in May by leading Irish footballers and celebrities calling for a boycott of the same Nations League matches, and comes amid strong public criticism in Ireland of Israel’s conduct in the war in Gaza.
Ireland are scheduled to face Israel on September 27 in Hungary, with the return fixture set for October 4 in Serbia; both matches are due to be played at neutral venues and behind closed doors after protests by players and fans over the death toll of Palestinian civilians during the war in Gaza.
Irish Sport for Palestine named several signatories to the letter, including Olympian Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby flyhalf Tony Ward and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan.
The letter addressed to the national team states: "This is a significant moment and with this moment you have an opportunity to do the right thing," and adds, "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."
Members of the Football Association of Ireland voted overwhelmingly in late 2025 for the board to request that UEFA immediately suspend the Israel Football Association from European competitions; the FAI subsequently committed to playing the fixtures, citing possible sanctions that could affect the national team and the association.
Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said last week he had spoken individually to players about facing Israel and that "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games". Reuters has contacted the Israeli FA for comment.
Ireland are due to play Israel on September 27 in Hungary before the reverse fixture in Serbia on October 4, fixtures that will determine how the national side proceeds in this Nations League campaign.
