Calls mount for Ireland to boycott ‘Israel’ in UEFA Nations League

• Ireland has been drawn into the UEFA Nations League Group B3 with "Israel," prompting widespread calls for a boycott from figures like Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald and former manager Brian Kerr, who argue playing normalizes actions in Gaza.
• Despite its own previous efforts to have "Israel" suspended from UEFA, the FAI confirmed it will fulfill the fixtures to avoid "catastrophic" sanctions, a stance supported by government leaders who argue sport should remain separate from politics.

In a contentious draw for the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League, Ireland has been placed in Group B3 alongside ‘Israel’, Austria, and Kosovo, sparking widespread calls for a boycott of the fixtures against Israel.

The matches are scheduled for September and October 2026, with Ireland set to host ‘Israel’ in Dublin and travel for the away leg.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) swiftly confirmed it would fulfill the games, citing the risk of severe UEFA sanctions, including disqualification from competitions, if they refused.

This decision comes despite the FAI's own history of advocating for ‘Israel's’ suspension from UEFA.

In November 2025, the FAI General Assembly overwhelmingly voted to submit a motion calling for a ban on ‘Israel’ due to its assault on Gaza, which Ireland has condemned as genocidal.

However, UEFA rejected the request, leaving the FAI in a bind.

FAI President Paul Cooke emphasized that boycotting unilaterally could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for Irish soccer, including financial penalties and exclusion from European tournaments.

Calls to Boycott

Prominent political figures have urged the FAI to reconsider.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called for a full boycott, stating that participating would "give cover to genocidal Israel" and urging broadcasters to refuse coverage if the matches proceed.

The party's sports spokeswoman, Joanna Byrne, echoed this, criticizing UEFA for forcing Ireland into an ethical dilemma by not suspending ‘Israel’ earlier.

Other politicians, including independent voices, have labeled the FAI's stance an "empty gesture" and called for moral courage in standing against ‘Israel's’ actions in Palestine.

Government leaders, however, have backed the FAI's position. Taoiseach Micheál Martin stated that the matches should go ahead, arguing that sport must be decoupled from politics despite Ireland's clear condemnation of ‘Israel's’ Gaza assault.

Deputy Premier Simon Harris added that a boycott would primarily harm the Irish team, depriving them of competitive opportunities without achieving broader change.

Former soccer figures have joined the debate. Ex-Ireland manager Brian Kerr publicly urged the FAI to "show a real bit of balls" and refuse to play.

Current manager Heimir Hallgrímsson has said he would respect any player's decision to opt out, though he personally supports playing if required.

Public sentiment, amplified on social media, leans heavily toward boycott. Activists and fans, including groups like Irish Sport for Palestine, argue that hosting ‘Israel’ normalizes ethnic cleansing and violates UEFA's own statutes on human rights.

Protests are anticipated if the games proceed, with security concerns potentially forcing the Dublin fixture to a neutral venue.