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Ex-boss Kerr adds to call for Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel games
TL;DR
Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr joins 39 signatories in urging the Football Association of Ireland to boycott Nations League matches against Israel. The call is part of a campaign by Irish Sport For Palestine, citing serious breaches of international statutes.
Key points
- Brian Kerr is among 39 signatories urging a boycott
- Irish Sport For Palestine launched the 'Stop The Game' campaign
- The boycott cites breaches of Uefa and Fifa statutes
- Fixtures against Israel are scheduled for 27 September and 4 October
- Israel denies allegations of genocide and war crimes
Mentioned in this story
Brian KerrLouise QuinnHedvig LindahlFootball Association of IrelandIrish Sport For Palestine
Nations League
Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr is one of 39 signatories of an open letter calling on the Football Association of Ireland to boycott Nations League fixtures against Israel.
A 'Stop The Game' campaign has been launched by pressure group Irish Sport For Palestine, calling for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from the away game on 27 September and the reverse fixture in Dublin seven days later.
The group maintains the games should not take place, citing what is describes as "clear and ongoing serious breaches of Uefa and Fifa statute regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands" and "a brutal system of apartheid and genocide, both of which are accepted by the Irish government".
Israel has regularly denied committing genocide or war crimes and has said its actions in Gaza have been justified as a means of self-defence.
Kerr is among the high-profile names to have signed the letter. Others include former Republic of Ireland women's player Louise Quinn and ex-Sweden international Hedvig Lindahl, plus musicians Paul Weller, Bobby Gillespie, Tom Morello, Kneecap and Fontaines DC.
Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland chair and Shamrock Rovers captain Roberto Lopes - who is in line to represent Cape Verde at this summer's World Cup - added his voice.
"We have to stop the game," Lopes wrote. "As players and fans, our natural instinct is always to get out there and compete, but this is a moment where we need to look at the bigger picture.
"We can't ignore the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine; the sheer loss of life there has to take precedence over any sporting consideration.
"Ireland has an opportunity here to lead - to be a pioneer and do what others won't. We need to be brave enough to say enough is enough. We can't just stand by.
"Please, stop the game."
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been contacted by BBC Sport NI for comment.
Image caption,
Lopes is set to play at this summer's World Cup for Cape Verde
The open letter calls on the FAI to "uphold these rules if Uefa will not".
That is in reference to a November 2025 vote by FAI members instructing the association to call for Israel's suspension from Uefa.
Q&A
What is the reason for the Republic of Ireland's proposed boycott of Israel games?
The boycott is called due to alleged serious breaches of Uefa and Fifa statutes regarding Israeli teams playing on occupied Palestinian lands.
Who are the notable figures supporting the boycott of Israel games?
Notable supporters include former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, ex-player Louise Quinn, and musicians like Paul Weller and Tom Morello.
When are the Nations League fixtures against Israel scheduled?
The away game is scheduled for 27 September, with the reverse fixture taking place in Dublin seven days later.
What is the 'Stop The Game' campaign?
The 'Stop The Game' campaign, launched by Irish Sport For Palestine, advocates for the Republic of Ireland to withdraw from the upcoming matches against Israel.
