Stop the Game Campaign and FAI Participation in Matches against Israel: Motion [Private Members]
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-09
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Michael Collins (II), Cork South-West

A unilateral refusal to participate in fixtures could have serious implications for Irish football. It could affect our players, our supporters, our future participation in competitions and even Ireland's reputation as a host nation for international sporting events. Those consequences would not fall on politicians. They would fall on athletes, fans and sporting organisations.
Our amendment takes a balanced approach. It acknowledges the genuine concerns expressed by many people regarding the conflict. It recognises the importance of international law and protection of civilians but it also recognises that responsibilities for resolving international political conflicts should not be placed on the shoulders of Irish footballers. Where there are concerns around public order or safety surrounding fixtures, those matters should be addressed properly. That is why our amendment calls for a comprehensive security assessment involving Government Departments, An Garda Síochána and the FAI, with consideration given to matches being played behind closed doors if necessary. Sport should unite people, not divide them. We can stand for peace, human rights and humanitarian principles while also respecting the independence of sporting organisations and protecting the interests of Irish athletes.
I welcome the fact the Government now appears to have adopted a position put forward by Independent Ireland's amendment. While there may be differences elsewhere in the motion, on the central question of sport, the Government has arrived on the same conclusion we did. We all recognise the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to stand up for international law but we also recognise that Irish athletes should not be punished for events beyond their control. Decisions on international fixtures belong to the FAI, UEFA and FIFA. Sport should unite people and not become another battlefield for political disputes. That is why we are putting forward our amendment here this evening.

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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