Ex-boss Kerr adds to call for Republic of Ireland to boycott Israel games

Breaking news from the world of sport: Kerr adds to call for FAI to boycott Israel gamesImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kerr is one of 39 signatories of the 'Stop The Game' letter issued by Irish Sport for PalestinePublished16 minutes agoFormer 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.

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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 Sport NI for comment.

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Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Lopes is set to play at this summer's World Cup for Cape VerdeThe 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. Members backed a motion alleging the Israeli FA had broken Uefa rules with "failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy" and "organisation of clubs in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association".

The open letter states: "It is inconceivable that we would be willing to be silent and give cover to such crimes in the name of football. "We call on you to ensure the Irish football team is not used to mask Uefa rules breaches, apartheid and war crimes.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.