Stop the Game Campaign and FAI Participation in Matches against Israel: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-09
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Charlie McConalogue (FF), Donegal

The FAI has stated that it intends to fulfil both fixtures against Israel in accordance with its obligations as a member of UEFA and the Government acknowledges the FAI’s independence and autonomy in arriving at this decision and any decisions it may make in the coming days. The performance and integrity of our top athletes on the international stage have a very positive representational impact for Ireland, as Irish sport provides the world with a window into our country and the Irish people, both at home and abroad. International success for our top sports people enriches our country in a variety of ways. Many of our fondest memories are centred on Ireland’s achievements on the global sporting stage. These achievements have been a cause of celebration and inspiration for the public and will continue to do so into the future. This is why the Government is fully supportive of our athletes competing at the highest level of international competition. However, it is ultimately international sporting federations who are responsible for deciding how to carry out their competitions and who may participate.
International federations, in this case UEFA, have a leadership role for their global games, and it is at this level that strategic decisions should be taken rather than by individual countries’ NGBs.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-09/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-14T01:01:05+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-09