Ireland players may boycott Israel match
The gist
Over 160 Irish sportspeople urged Ireland's team to boycott its Nations League games against Israel.
The first match is due September 27 in Hungary, with participation unresolved.
How it unfolded
- Dec 2024Israel shut down its embassy in Dublin, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar citing Ireland's "extreme anti-Israel policies".
- Late 2025Football Association of Ireland members voted overwhelmingly for its board to request UEFA immediately suspend the Israel Football Association from European competitions.
- Feb 12, 2026Ireland and Israel were drawn together in Group B3 of the UEFA Nations League along with Austria and Kosovo, provoking strong opposition from Irish fans, footballers and celebrities.