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League of Ireland stars lead calls for FAI to 'stop the game' against Israel

Ireland are scheduled to host Israel on October 4 in Dublin. Earlier this year, the FAI confirmed that the game would go ahead at the Aviva Stadium

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Irish supporters have previously displayed a 'show Israel the red card' banner during national team games

A letter has been sent to the FAI from a group of high profile figures from football and other industries calling on the association to refuse to play Israel in the Nations League.

Ireland are due to face Israel home and away in the competition later this year. The 'away' game for Ireland is set for September 27, but Israel have played their home matches in Hungary since November 2023.

Ireland are then scheduled to host Israel on October 4 in Dublin. Earlier this year, the FAI confirmed that the game would go ahead at the Aviva Stadium, after security concerns around hosting the fixture were allayed by An Garda Sochna.

An Garda Sochna have been very clear that they are confident that they can deliver a safe and secure environment for this game to proceed, said FAI chief Rob Courell.

Despite that, there have been calls for the Ireland team to take a stand and refuse to play Israel, considering the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine.

"We have to stop the game. As players and fans, our natural instinct is always to get out there and compete, but this is a moment where we need to look at the bigger picture," said Shamrock Rovers captain and PFAI chair Roberto Lopes.

"We can't ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration.

"Ireland has an opportunity here to leadto be a pioneer and do what others won't. We need to be brave enough to say enough is enough. We cant just stand by. Please, stop the game."

The Stop the Game campaign have put together an open letter, signed by high profile sport stars and musicians, among others.

The names include a string of male and female players from the League of Ireland, as well as the likes of former Ireland boss Brian Kerr and former LOI manager Roddy Collins.

Christy Moore, Francis Black, Fontaines DC, Kneecap, Paul Weller, Stephen Rea and Mary Coughlan are among the other signatories.

The letter reads: "To the Football Association of Ireland, Irish fans are rightfully known across the globe as "the best fans in the world", but with this comes a responsibility to the Irish people whom our country represents. We call upon you to refuse to participate in the two scheduled UEFA nations league games against Israel.

"Firstly, on the basis of the clear and ongoing serious breaches of UEFA & FIFA statute regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands. As a member of UEFA you have a duty to upload these rules if UEFA will not.

"Secondly, on the basis of a brutal system of apartheid and acts of genocide, both of which are accepted by the Irish government. It is inconceivable that we would be willing to be silent and give cover to such crimes in the name of football.

"We call on you to ensure the Irish football team is not used to mask UEFA rules breaches, apartheid and war crimes. And to respect the call to boycott the game by the majority of players, fans and communities across Ireland.

"Last November, 93% of FAI members voted to instruct the Association to go to UEFA and call for Israels suspension under those statutes. We call on you to full respect and represent this mandate.

"Through your leadership and courage we show the world that whilst others may stand idly by, Ireland will not.

"Just as history rightly celebrates the Dunnes Stores workers during South African apartheid, the FAI will be celebrated by future generations of Irish people for doing the right thing when others did not. Yours in sport. Stop the Game."

The Stop the Game group add: "This campaign is only beginning and we will do everything in our power to ensure Irish football is not used to give cover to apartheid and genocide."

Back in February, FAI president Paul Cooke warned of the potential issues that could arise if Ireland boycotted the UEFA fixtures.

From a footballing perspective, a decision not to play would have serious consequences said Cooke, in a letter to FAI General Assembly members. It would result in the forfeiture of six points, could lead to relegation to League C of the Nations League, and would damage our seeding for Euro 2028 qualification as well as our overall FIFA ranking. Such outcomes would materially harm the long-term sporting interests of Irish football.

Our decision is not financially motivated," Cooke insisted. "However, there would also be significant financial and regulatory consequences were we to refuse to fulfil the fixtures. The board cannot act in a manner that would place the Association or its directors in breach of their legal duties or expose the FAI to severe sporting, financial and reputational sanctions.

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