Sligo councillor urges Football Association of Ireland to pull Republic of Ireland from Nations League ties with Israel

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

With the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League double header looming ever closer, Cllr Declan Bree has called on the Football Association of Ireland to “show true moral leadership and withdraw the Republic of Ireland team” from these games.

Cllr Bree tabled a motion, which was passed, at the monthly meeting of Sligo County Council seeking support for the game not to proceed.

Cllr Bree’s motion called on the Council to request the Government to support calls to refuse to participate in the proposed matches against Israel, scheduled for September 27th and October 4th.

He further called on the FAI to withdraw the Republic of Ireland team from these matches.

Cllr Bree stated, “In proposing this motion I am asking the council to reflect the overwhelming will of the Irish football community and to uphold Ireland’s deeply rooted tradition of international solidarity.

Outlining why he is offering his support to the ‘Stop the Game’ campaign which is putting pressure on the FAI not to proceed with the upcoming fixtures against Israel, Cllr Bree insisted the actions of Israel in relation to Gaza must be met with sporting consequences.

“Today we are witnessing growing, undeniable support across Ireland for the “Stop the Game” campaign. This campaign makes a simple, yet profound demand: that the Football Association of Ireland refuse to participate in international fixtures against Israel while its campaign of genocide, its ongoing violations of international law and its imposition of apartheid policies continue.

“Ireland has a proud, globally recognised history of standing with oppressed peoples. We know what apartheid looks like, and we know the power of international pressure to dismantle it.

“Sport cannot be divorced from human rights. When international law is systematically breached, taking the pitch as if it is “business as usual” becomes an act of political indifference.”

Cllr Bree insisted there is a precedent for the games not being played and insisted, not fulfilling the fixtures would be in keeping with the wishes of the vast majority of football supporters in the country.

“Indeed, we should remember that in 2022, following the invasion of Ukraine, FIFA and UEFA banned Russia from all club and international games.

“In 2000 the Government prevented a Euro 2000 qualifying match between Ireland and Yugoslavia from taking place, because of Serbian atrocities in Kosovo.

“And only nine months ago the Taoiseach described RTÉ’s decision to boycott Eurovision as “an act of solidarity”… “The people of Palestine deserve nothing less…” he said.

“The football community in Ireland has already spoken with extraordinary clarity. In November last, a resounding 93% of FAI members voted to instruct the Association to call on UEFA to suspend Israel.”

Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson clears tennis balls from the pitch during the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Qatar at the Aviva Stadium. The tennis balls were thrown onto the pitch as part of the ‘Stop the Game’ protest. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile © SPORTSFILE

“Through this motion, this Council will join many other councils in requesting the Government to back our football community, our players, our staff, and our supporters, and support the call for the FAI to refuse participation in these matches.

Cllr Bree insisted that consequences of not playing would be acceptable if it meant Ireland took a moral stance by refusing to participate.

“True leadership means doing what is right, even when it is difficult, and even when it carries administrative consequences. Let Ireland send a clear message that our national sporting teams will not be used to normalise genocide and apartheid.”

Supporting the motion, Cllr Gino O’Boyle insisted, “This is bigger than football.” He referenced the power of the sporting pressure applied against apartheid in South Africa adding, “moving the match (to a neutral venue) doesn’t solve the problem. Ireland has a proud history of standing with the people of Palestine.”

Cllr Arthur Gibbons also voiced his support but insisted refusing to participate in the game is “not about hostility towards the Israeli people; it’s about the actions of a State.”

He continued, “Do we believe we should simply partake regardless of what is happening, or say enough is enough.”

Insisting the decision should not be left to the players, Cllr Gibbons stated, “This is not about signalling out individual players, it is about institutional responsibility. Some say politics and sport should be kept separate but history tells us refusing to take part is also sending a message. I call on the Government and the FAI to listen to the football community and act.”

Cllr Ann Higgins also offered her support for the motion saying, “The hypocrisy is unbelievable. This game must stop, full stop and be brave to face the consequences. These consequences are insignificant compared to what is happening in Gaza.”

Cllr Thomas Healy also offered his support saying a precedent has already been set while Cllr Donal Gilroy remarked, “I agree with the motion, I believe they are a criminal State.”

Describing why he may be reluctant for the game not to be played, Cllr Gilroy said, “The consequences of not playing are that Israel get six points en route to the next finals.” He continued; “That disturbs me; I wouldn’t gift them a piece of paper. I don’t know the solution. It would be a moral victory (not playing) and they (Israel) go off laughing all the way to the bank.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.