rki.news | Sources Anadolu
DUBLIN, Sept. 27 — Irish comedian and activist Tadhg Hickey has urged Ireland’s football players to boycott an upcoming UEFA Nations League fixture against Israel over the Gaza war, criticizing the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for what he described as a lack of leadership.
Speaking to Anadolu, Hickey said the FAI had left the decision to players despite what he said was significant public support in Ireland for a boycott.
The FAI confirmed Saturday that its 2026-27 Nations League fixtures against Israel would go ahead after consultations with players. The association said players expressed different views, with a majority supporting the matches being played.
The fixture has drawn opposition from the Stop The Game campaign, organized by Irish Sport for Palestine. Campaign spokesperson Shane Moore called on the players to withdraw and criticized arrangements that he said prevented Irish supporters from receiving tickets while Israeli supporters could attend.
The claims concerning ticket arrangements and links between the Hungarian and Serbian venues and Israel were not independently verified by Anadolu.
Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has reportedly withdrawn from the squad, while midfielder Jason Knight publicly said he did not think the match should go ahead.
Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson previously said some players felt “really uncomfortable” about the fixtures and described the team as playing “against genocide.”
The first match is scheduled for Sunday at Nagyerdei Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary
Irish Activist Urges Football Boycott Over Gaza War
