Irish athletes group urges national team to boycott matches against Israeli soccer team

More than 160 Irish sportspeople signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, scheduled for September 27 in Hungary and October 4 in Serbia. The Irish Sport for Palestine group announced the letter, which includes Olympian Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, and others.

More than 160 Irish sportspeople have signed an open letter urging the Ireland national football team to boycott their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel, the Irish Sport for Palestine Group announced on Monday. The matches are scheduled for September 27 in Hungary and October 4 in Serbia, both at neutral venues behind closed doors after protests over the war in Gaza. Signatories include Olympian Ciara Mageean, former footballer Louise Quinn, former rugby flyhalf Tony Ward, and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan. The letter states: "Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do." Ireland has been one of the EU's most outspoken critics of Israel's conduct during the war. FAI members voted overwhelmingly in late 2025 to request UEFA suspend Israel, but the association later committed to playing the fixtures due to possible sanctions. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson said last week that "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games." Reuters contacted the Israeli FA for comment.