Will Play Alongside Helio Varela and Calls for Boycott of Israel

Protests against the holding of Israel’s match against Ireland in the Nations League continue to come from various players, this time from Cape Verde national team player Roberto Lopes, who was born in Dublin himself. A teammate of Maccabi Tel Aviv player Helio Varela, he publicly spoke out against the match: "I said from the beginning that I don't think this match should take place. I think it is awful that the players, and the Irish Football Association as well, are being put in this position."

"This is a decision that should have been made above us. Most people in Ireland do not want this match to take place. I understand that this is a difficult position for the players. My position has not changed, and I still think that matches like this should not be played."