Journalist Calls Israel-Ireland Match Boycott a 'Turning Point' in Football
The upcoming UEFA Nations League match between Israel and Ireland is shrouded in uncertainty, with reports suggesting Irish players are considering a boycott. Prominent among those calling for a boycott is Leyla Hamed, a Moroccan-Spanish freelance sports journalist and known anti-Israel activist.
Hamed tweeted on Saturday that the match might not proceed, stating, "It now looks closer than ever that Israel vs Ireland may not go ahead, with Irish players reportedly considering a boycott. This could mark a turning point in the history of modern football, much like we saw with the sporting boycott of apartheid South Africa." Hamed has previously spread false claims, including that footballer Menashe Zalka fell in Gaza, and has repeatedly called for FIFA to suspend the Israeli national team.
Adding to the pressure, British Member of Parliament Zara Sultana reacted to news that goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu had decided to boycott the match, with other players potentially following suit. Sultana tweeted, "They will be on the right side of history."
Journalists are reportedly waiting outside the Irish team's hotel as the squad faces complete uncertainty regarding the fixture.
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