SIPTU urges FAI to reconsider Ireland‑Israel football fixtures

SIPTU has called on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) to reassess the scheduled Ireland‑Israel matches, saying the governing body has a “clear duty of care” to players, staff and workers involved.

Deputy General Secretary Greg Ennis described the fixtures as “clearly not normal international fixtures”, highlighting “serious security, reputational and emotional issues” and urging full risk assessments for all concerned.

Ennis noted that a UN commission of inquiry last summer found Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and a further investigation this year concluded that the country deliberately targeted children, constituting genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. He argued that the FAI is placing young sportspeople in an unacceptable position, forcing them to choose between representing Ireland and facing potential reputational and emotional consequences.

Deputy General Secretary Adrian Kane added that the FAI, despite receiving substantial state funding, does not engage in collective bargaining or recognise the union, and therefore should not decide on matters affecting the long‑term wellbeing of staff and players. He called for the decision to be removed from the FAI’s hands and urged a boycott of the games, stating that the priority should be the welfare of those who wear the green jersey.

Source: Dublin People. Photo: Lajos Kristóf Kántor / Pexels.