More than 160 Irish athletes call for boycott of Israel in Nations League

More than 160 Irish athletes have signed an open letter urging the senior men’s Ireland national team to boycott the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. The appeal, published by the Irish Sport for Palestine association, comes as both fixtures are scheduled at neutral venues and behind closed doors.

Open letter from over 160 athletes

Among the signatories are Olympic swimmer Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby fly‑half Tony Ward and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. The letter, backed by La Vanguardia and Más agencies, appeals to “courage” and the “power of sport to unite” as arguments for not playing.

Abel Cuartero Escartín, who drafted the document, said: “This is a significant moment and with it you have the opportunity to do the right thing.” He added that “not playing the match would be the most sporting thing you could do.”

FAI and manager reactions

Ireland is scheduled to face Israel on 27 September in Hungary and the return leg on 4 October in Serbia. Both fixtures are part of the UEFA Nations League and will be played behind closed doors following protests over the thousands of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza.

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In May, prominent Irish footballers joined a campaign calling for a boycott, increasing pressure on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). At the end of 2025, the FAI voted by an overwhelming majority to request UEFA to immediately suspend the Israel Football Association.

However, the FAI itself pledged to play the matches, warning that non‑compliance could lead to sanctions affecting the national team and the association. Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson confirmed that he spoke individually with the players and that “none of us feel comfortable playing these matches.”

Jason Knight leads Irish squad’s moral stand over Israel fixture

Irish Sport for Palestine noted that the initiative reflects the growing influence of Irish sport on international politics, while the Irish Football Federation maintains its stance of complying with UEFA commitments.