More than 160 Irish athletes have endorsed an open letter organised by the Irish Sport for Palestine Group, calling for the matches against Israel to be boycotted.
The Republic of Ireland are scheduled to face Israel in Hungary on 27 September, with the return match set to take place in Serbia on 4 October.
According to the letter, the FAI, Uefa and the Irish government should have taken action earlier, but they still have an opportunity to demonstrate how sport can bring people together.
Among the signatories are Olympian Ciara Mageean, former Republic of Ireland footballer Louise Quinn, former Ireland rugby fly-half Tony Ward—who refused to take part in an Irish rugby tour of South Africa—and boxers Tyrone McKenna and Eric Donovan.
The list of more than 160 names also features GAA figures Padraig O’Hora, Joe Brolly, Colm O’Rourke, Michael Darragh Macauley, Philly McMahon, Valerie Mulcahy and Rena Buckley. Para-athlete Alan Dineen and ultimate frisbee player Stephen Jones, who both declined to compete against Israel earlier this year, have signed as well.
The letter describes the situation as an important moment and urges those involved to use it as an opportunity to make the right decision.
It says that wearing the Irish jersey and representing the country carries special meaning, adding that Ireland should remain connected to its history of resisting colonialism and imperialism, in which Irish sport played a meaningful role.
The signatories argue that the issue represents something greater than a sporting contest while also reflecting the fundamental values of sport.
They maintain that refusing to play would be the strongest act of sportsmanship, showing leadership and courage while highlighting sport’s ability to unite people, reinforce shared values and create an impact beyond the match itself.
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