Irish Activists, Including President’s Sister, Call to Boycott Israel’s UEFA Nations League Matches

As Israel prepares to face Ireland in two UEFA Nations League matches in less than two months, calls within Ireland to boycott these games have intensified. Ireland has become a prominent European country opposing Israel, with ongoing protests against the matches. Margaret Connelly, a social activist and sister of Irish President Catherine Connelly, who was detained by Israel during a Gaza flotilla, publicly urged the Football Association of Ireland not to participate in the games. She accused Israel of committing genocide, stating, "As a mother, I cannot ignore the catastrophic consequences of the Israeli occupation in Gaza."

Margaret Connelly highlighted that Israel faces genocide charges at the International Criminal Court, which has issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She emphasized that Ireland’s government has the power to act, citing a 1999 precedent when it prevented a Euro 2000 qualifying match against Yugoslavia due to Serbian atrocities in Kosovo, despite UEFA’s refusal to cancel the game.

Due to the ongoing conflict since October 7, Israel has not hosted international matches, and Ireland has already announced it will host Israel on neutral ground. Should Ireland decide to boycott the matches, it would forfeit technically and face severe penalties, including possible UEFA competition bans. The controversy underscores the intersection of sports and politics amid the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.