Bohemian FC has thrown its weight behind calls for the Republic of Ireland to boycott its upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel. The club's Director of Football, Pat Fenlon, and communications director, Luke O'Riordan, have publicly renewed this stance, arguing that participation amounts to complicity in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Fenlon believes the Football Association of Ireland must take a stand. "What an opportunity it would be to be the first country to stand up and say this is totally wrong," he said. He dismissed concerns over potential UEFA sanctions, contrasting them with the human cost. "[They are] talking about losing money, about losing points and punishment, but we're talking about more than 20,000 children killed [in Gaza]," Fenlon stated. "There will be a cost. Stand on the right side. We shouldn't be playing Israel in anything."

Luke O'Riordan echoed this sentiment, accusing the FAI of "sheer cowardice" for proceeding with the fixtures. "It is not acceptable to put a price on standing up for what is right and in solidarity with the Palestinian people," O'Riordan said. He claimed the FAI exaggerated potential consequences, such as heavy fines and bans, to sway a delegate vote held in July. In that vote, 75 delegates voted to play the matches while 32 supported a boycott.

FAI decision and match context

Despite the internal opposition, the FAI decided to fulfil the fixtures, citing risks of severe sporting and financial penalties. The matches are being played at neutral venues under tight security. Ireland's 'away' match is scheduled for this Sunday in Debrecen, Hungary, with the 'home' fixture set for 4 October in Backa Topola, Serbia. No tickets are being sold to Irish fans for either game, and Irish broadcaster RTE will provide only a stripped-back broadcast without commentators, pundits, or advertising.

Officials at Bohemians pointed to a precedent involving Baltic nations to argue the sanctions would be manageable. Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia received 3-0 walkover defeats and a fine of 5,000 euros for refusing to play against Belarus. O'Riordan noted that the boycott calls have garnered support from trade unions representing workers within the FAI, the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, and the Irish Football Supporters Partnership.

Broader support and Bohemians' platform

The club's vocal position comes as Bohemians maintain a strong on-field campaign, sitting third in the League of Ireland Premier Division with 56 points from 31 games. They are unbeaten in their last five matches, a run of form that includes three wins and two draws. This platform lends weight to their off-field advocacy as they continue to push for the title, currently just three points behind leaders St Patrick's Athletic. The squad's focus will soon return to league action, with a key fixtures clash away to fifth-placed Dundalk scheduled for 9 October.

Manager Heimer Hallgrimsson has previously stated that playing the match does not constitute legitimisation of Israel's actions, a position that contrasts with the club's executive stance. The FAI stated that not playing could harm Irish football in the long term due to potential UEFA sanctions and the loss of millions of euros in income. Bohemians, holding firm to their pro-Palestine stance, will continue their domestic campaign while maintaining pressure on the football authorities.

The report in full is at aljazeera.com