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

Over 160 Irish athletes, including Olympian Ciara Mageean and former footballer Louise Quinn, have signed an open letter from the Irish Sport for Palestine Group, urging the Ireland national football team to boycott upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel. The matches are scheduled for September 27 in Hungary and October 4 in Serbia, both at neutral venues and behind closed doors due to protests over the conflict in Gaza. The letter states, "Not playing the game would be the most sporting thing you could do." This follows a May campaign by Irish footballers and celebrities for a boycott. Despite the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) previously voting to request Israel's suspension from UEFA competitions, the FAI committed to playing the fixtures to avoid sanctions. Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson noted that "none of us feel comfortable playing in these games."