Irish deputy premier Simon Harris has argued that boycotting matches against Israel would disadvantage the Republic of Ireland soccer team, not Israel. The statement comes after this week's UEFA Nations League draw placed Ireland in a group with Israel, triggering immediate political controversy.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) finds itself in a delicate position. Its General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to mandate a call for Israel's suspension from European competitions and subsequently wrote to UEFA requesting a ban. However, the FAI has committed to fulfilling the scheduled fixtures against Israel on September 27 in Israel and October 4 at home.
Harris told RTE Radio that Ireland must consider the practical implications carefully. «We have to think this thing through here,» he said. The deputy premier acknowledged widespread anger over the situation in Gaza while arguing that a boycott would primarily harm Irish football.
Political Pressure Mounts
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called on Saturday for Ireland not to play the matches, declaring that Israel should be «given the red card». Former Ireland manager Brian Kerr previously urged the FAI to «show a real bit of balls and refuse to play Israel». Republic of Ireland head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson questioned last year why Israel had not been banned from football.
Harris pushed back against the boycott calls, emphasizing the consequences for Irish soccer. «We all share, I think, a general disgust at the actions in the Middle East and the genocidal situation in Gaza, of that there's no doubt, and we've been strong and clear on that as a country and as a government,» he told RTE Radio. But he stressed the need to separate political positions from sporting decisions.
Ireland Would 'Get the Red Card'
The deputy premier warned that UEFA, European football's governing body, had made its decision regarding Israel's participation. «The actual country that would end up getting the red card here would be Ireland,» Harris said. He argued that boycotting would not affect Israel while potentially damaging Ireland's prospects.
Harris expressed concern about pressure on individual players as World Cup playoffs approach. «I don't want to be saying anything or doing anything that applies pressure to the men who put on the green jersey and represent our country with pride,» he said. Grassroot clubs across the country are supporting the team ahead of the major upcoming matches.
The deputy premier concluded his position clearly. «I just think in this situation, it's actually the Irish soccer team that would be losing out and the Irish soccer team that would be missing out,» Harris told RTE Radio. Israel's Football Association responded by saying it was «hoping to welcome» the Ireland side to «a sea of blue and white in a packed stadium».
Israel currently plays its home games at neutral venues in countries such as Hungary. The September and October fixtures will proceed as scheduled despite the ongoing political debate.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
