Irish Athletes Call for Israeli Boycott

At least 160 prominent Irish athletes have signed an open letter calling on the Republic of Ireland’s national football team to boycott its upcoming match against Israel.

The letter, published by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group on X, called on the team to take action over the ongoing conflict and conditions affecting Palestinians.

“You have an opportunity to do the right thing,” the letter said, urging players and officials to consider their position and the fixture’s wider implications.

The signatories, including current and former rugby players, Gaelic footballers, boxers, basketball players, and athletes from other sporting disciplines, said sport is built on principles of fairness and equal treatment.

However, the letter argued that these values are inconsistent with what it described as “oppressive and discriminatory structures” affecting sporting participation and daily life in Palestine.

“Nowhere is this more obvious than in Palestine, where fairness and equality are denied by the Israeli occupation,” the letter said.

The call comes after the Irish Football Association’s General Assembly voted in July against a proposal to boycott UEFA Nations League fixtures involving Israel.

The proposed boycott was considered as part of wider discussions around sporting relations and political issues linked to the conflict. The Irish Football Association has not announced any change to its position following the latest appeal from athletes.

The signatories said their appeal reflects their belief that athletes and sporting institutions have a role in addressing issues beyond competition, particularly when questions of equality and human rights are involved.

The Republic of Ireland’s national team is expected to face Israel in the forthcoming fixture, with the match drawing attention from both sporting and advocacy groups.