Irish Activist and President’s Sister Urges Boycott of Israel’s Nations League Matches

Less than two months before Israel’s national football team faces Ireland in the UEFA Nations League, calls within Ireland to boycott the matches have intensified. Margaret Connelly, a social activist and sister of Irish President Catherine Connelly, who was previously 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 and criticized the moral implications of holding the matches, stating that continuing with the games would legitimize what she described as Israel’s oppressive regime.

Margaret Connelly highlighted the International Criminal Court’s indictments against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and emphasized that Ireland’s government has the power to influence publicly funded organizations, including sports bodies. She recalled how in 1999, the Irish government successfully 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’s games at a neutral venue. Should Ireland choose to boycott, it would forfeit the matches by default and face severe penalties from UEFA, including possible exclusion from future competitions.