Irish footballers and celebrities urge boycott of Israel matches

Leading Irish footballers and celebrities, including former national coach Brian Kerr and actor Stephen Rea, have signed an open letter urging the Football Association of Ireland to boycott UEFA Nations League matches against Israel scheduled for September 27 and October 4, citing allegations of genocide in Gaza and claims that Israel breaches UEFA statutes by fielding teams on occupied Palestinian land. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin said the matches should proceed, stating sport should not be politicized, while the FAI has indicated it must fulfill its UEFA obligations to avoid disqualification; a November 2025 FAI member vote saw 93 percent support pressing UEFA to suspend Israel under its statutes.