Irish Football Legends Join Call to Boycott Israel Nations League Fixtures
Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes has delivered an unambiguous demand to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI): "Stop the game." He's joined by prominent Irish football figures including former national team manager Brian Kerr and 2019 FAI women's player of the year Louise Quinn, among 38 signatories of an open letter urging the association to cancel its scheduled UEFA Nations League matches against Israel.
The initiative, spearheaded by Irish Sport for Palestine through their "Stop the Game" campaign, arrives at a critical juncture. In 2023, an overwhelming 93% of FAI members voted to direct the organization to advocate for Israel's suspension from UEFA. Despite this mandate, the governing body proceeded to confirm both fixtures.
FAI maintains its stance despite mounting pressure
FAI CEO David Courell stated in February that Ireland has "no choice" but to honour the scheduled matches, cautioning that forfeiting would bring "serious consequences" and inflict lasting damage on Irish football's future prospects. The association maintains it has coordinated with government officials and An Garda Síochána (Irish police), confirming that security arrangements for the Dublin home fixture are satisfactory.
That official position, however, faces significant opposition from the letter's signatories.
Lopes, currently preparing to represent Cape Verde at this summer's World Cup, articulated the argument in humanitarian terms that will be difficult for the FAI to dismiss publicly. "We can't ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration," he stated. "Ireland has an opportunity here to lead — to be a pioneer and do what others won't."
The open letter further references what campaigners describe as "clear and ongoing serious breaches" of UEFA and FIFA regulations concerning Israeli teams competing on occupied Palestinian territories, urging the FAI to enforce these rules independently if UEFA refuses to act.
High-profile signatories amplify the campaign
The 38 individuals who signed the letter represent diverse sectors of Irish society. Musicians Christy Moore, along with bands Fontaines DC and Kneecap, have lent their support — indicating this debate has transcended sports and entered mainstream cultural discourse in Ireland.
Within football circles, Kerr and Quinn command considerable influence. Kerr's tenure as men's national team manager and his continued prominence in Irish soccer make his voice particularly significant. Quinn, who captained the women's national side and received the FAI's own player of the year recognition, represents the modern generation of Irish football. These are established voices with deep credibility.
- Roberto Lopes — Shamrock Rovers captain and Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland (PFAI) chair
- Brian Kerr — former Republic of Ireland men's national team manager
- Louise Quinn — 2019 FAI women's player of the year and former national team captain
- Christy Moore, Fontaines DC, Kneecap — prominent Irish cultural figures among non-sporting signatories
The FAI has established its position firmly. The outstanding question is whether the growing public pressure — backed by figures of such standing — will prove sufficient to force a policy reversal before the fixtures take place.