Dublin, May 7 (SANA) Irish football players and public figures have joined a growing campaign calling for the Republic of Ireland to boycott an upcoming UEFA Nations League match against Israel over the war in Gaza.
According to Reuters, the group “Irish Sport for Palestine” sent an open letter to the Football Association of Ireland urging it to cancel the fixture, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” during the war in Gaza and violating UEFA and FIFA regulations by allowing matches to be played on occupied Palestinian land.
The letter, titled “Call Off the Match,” was signed by several League of Ireland players, former Ireland national team manager Brian Kerr and former international player Louise Quinn.
The campaign also drew support from cultural figures, including Irish rock band Fontaines D.C. and Oscar-nominated actor Stephen Rea.
The letter included comments from Roberto Lopes, captain of Shamrock Rovers and president of the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland, who said the humanitarian situation in Palestine should take precedence over sporting considerations.
“Ireland has an opportunity to take a leading position and do what others have not done,” Lopes said.
Ireland is scheduled to host Israel at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Oct. 4, while another match between the two teams is expected to take place at a neutral venue on Sept. 27.
A poll conducted by the Ireland Football Supporters’ Association found that 76% of respondents oppose the match going ahead.
Israel has competed in UEFA competitions since the early 1980s after being excluded from Asian football tournaments in the 1970s following refusals by several Asian countries to play Israeli teams.
R.D/RK
