Ireland beat Israel 3–0 as boycott calls put FAI under scrutiny
Ireland played Israel in Hungary despite calls from Irish Sport for Palestine and others to boycott the match. An opinion article published by Al Jazeera criticises the Football Association of Ireland’s handling of the decision.
Ireland beat Israel 3–0 in Hungary on Sunday, but the match went ahead despite calls from Irish Sport for Palestine (ISFP) and others for a boycott. The campaign argues that playing Israel legitimises its participation in international sport.
The Al Jazeera opinion article, written by an ISFP member, focuses on the FAI’s decision-making and accountability. It says the association left players to vote on whether to play and criticises officials for invoking potential sanctions and a communication with the Palestinian Football Association.
The author cites a February poll in which 76 per cent of respondents reportedly opposed the match, and a survey in which 63 per cent of professional players in Ireland’s men’s and women’s leagues reportedly supported not playing. The supplied material does not include the surveys’ methodology or independent confirmation.
The article also says 93 per cent of FAI members voted in November for the board to request Israel’s removal from UEFA, citing alleged breaches involving settlement clubs and anti-racism policies. It reports that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu boycotted the match.
The author calls for accountability from the FAI, UEFA and the Irish government, and says the FAI board faces calls to resign. A second fixture is scheduled for 4 October in Serbia; the author urges Ireland not to play.
