Goals vs Principles: Should Ireland Face Israel? Episode 658

Today on the podcast, Niall speaks with Independent TD Michael Collins following a political row over Ireland’s planned international football fixture against Israel. Collins has accused Sinn Féin of “political grandstanding” after party leader Mary Lou McDonald said it would be “unthinkable” for Ireland to play Israel, home or away, while the war in Gaza continues.

The match is part of a scheduled UEFA international competition fixture involving the Republic of Ireland men’s national team. Under normal UEFA regulations, if a team refuses to play a sanctioned competitive match for political reasons, it would likely have to forfeit the game — usually recorded as a 3-0 loss — and could face additional fines or disciplinary sanctions.

Politically, the issue has divided opinion. Some politicians and campaigners argue sport should reflect ethical and humanitarian concerns, while others say international sport should remain separate from politics and that refusing to play could harm Irish football, players, and supporters without changing events abroad.

Niall and Michael Collins discuss whether calls for a boycott are justified, whether politics is increasingly influencing sport, and what the consequences could be if Ireland took such a stand.

We’re also asking you:

Do you support Ireland playing the match?
Will you be watching if it goes ahead?
And should politics and sport always be kept separate?

Join the conversation and let us know your view.