UEFA must read the room and ban Israel from taking part in its competitions, according to Social Democrats sports spokesperson Sinéad Gibney and foreign affairs spokesperson Patricia Stephenson.
Deputy Gibney said:
“Our national team players, elite athletes at the pinnacle of their career, have been put in a very difficult position after they were drawn in the same group as Israel.
“We must respect their voices first and foremost. Ultimately, it is the players who step on the pitch and they must be central to the decision making process.
“As it stands, the FAI has stated it does intend to play these games but if that changes, and it boycotts, any financial penalty must be paid by the government.
“It is international sports bodies like UEFA who should be held responsible for this situation. Israel should not be permitted to play in UEFA competitions, just as Russia was banned for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“State inaction has contributed to this grim state of affairs. How can we expect sports regulatory bodies to ban Israel from participating when our government won’t even pass the Occupied Territories Bill or when the EU refuses to suspend the EU-Israel trade agreement?
“We must see immediate action on the OTB, leadership in Europe, and respect for our players when deciding which course of action to take regarding this fixture.”
Senator Stephenson said:
“Israel continues to commit genocide and ethnic cleanings in Gaza and the West Bank – it is absurd that UEFA has not banned the country from participating in its competition to this point.
“We must work together with our European counterparts – especially those also drawn to play Israel – and stop the sportswashing of this murderous regime. UEFA must now show leadership and ban Israel from taking part in the Nations League.”
February 13th, 2026