An open letter signed by more than 160 Irish athletes and sports figures is urging Ireland's men's national football team to boycott their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel. The letter, released on Monday, September 21, 2026, features signatures from several prominent Irish athletes, including Olympian Ciara Mageean and former footballer Louise Quinn. Ireland is scheduled to play Israel on September 27 in Hungary, followed by a rematch on October 4 in Serbia.
The call to boycott the matches comes amid widespread protests over the civilian death toll in Gaza. Both games will take place at neutral venues with no fans present. Irish Sport for Palestine, the organization behind the letter, believes that not playing the game would be a significant moment for the national team to show its leadership and courage. The letter emphasizes the power of sport to unite and promote shared values.
High-profile supporters of the boycott include former rugby international Tony Ward and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. The letter states that by boycotting the matches, the national team would be taking a stand that could have an impact far beyond the game. This is not the first time Irish athletes and celebrities have called for a boycott of Israel.
In May, top Irish football players and celebrities launched a joint effort to pressure the national team to boycott its Nations League matches against Israel. Ireland has been one of the most vocal critics in the European Union regarding Israel's military campaign in Gaza. The country's stance on the issue has been clear, with many calling for a stronger response from the international community.
Despite the pushback, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) confirmed that Ireland will play the matches as scheduled. The association explained that pulling out could lead to severe penalties for both the national team and the organization. In late 2025, members of the FAI voted overwhelmingly to demand that UEFA suspend Israel from all European competitions.
The FAI's decision to play the matches has been met with disappointment from those who support the boycott. However, the association believes that it has made the right decision, given the potential consequences of not playing the games. The issue has sparked a heated debate in Ireland, with many weighing in on the country's stance on Israel.
The boycott call has also highlighted the role of sport in promoting human rights and social justice. Many athletes and sports figures believe that sport can be a powerful tool for bringing attention to important issues and promoting positive change. The outcome of the boycott call remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a significant conversation in Ireland and beyond.
Key points
- Over 160 Irish athletes sign open letter calling on Ireland's national football team to boycott UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel.
- The boycott call comes amid widespread protests over the civilian death toll in Gaza.
- The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that Ireland will play the matches as scheduled, citing potential severe penalties for pulling out.
