Republic of Ireland face Qatar on Thursday at the Aviva Stadium. However, discourse in the build up to the fixture has surrounded the Nations League game against Israel in September.
Consistent calls to boycott the match have flowed since the draw was made in February. The latest example came from newly elected Social Democrats TD Daniel Ennis outside Leinster House this morning.
“Football and sport is a universal language built on respect and how can you stand shoulder to shoulder right up against a genocidal regime,” said Mr Ennis, who is a former League of Ireland professional footballer.
“It’s a tough one on the players. My friends are former internationals, and it’s a very, very proud achievement, a moment to play, be selected by your country, but your governing body, your sporting governing body, should be stepping in, and in that case, that’s the FAI, and that should be supported by the Government.”
From a sporting background, PFAI chairperson, Roberto Lopes and other prominent Irish football stars like Brian Kerr and James McClean have backed the Stop the Game Campaign.
The FAI insists however that the fixture will proceed despite nation-wide protest.
Speaking ahead of Ireland’s upcoming friendlies against Qatar and Canada, captain Nathan Collins made a big statement about players taking a stand against the Israel fixture.
You can hear what he said below.
