Former Republic of Ireland international James McClean has launched a scathing attack on the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), accusing the governing body of lacking a 'backbone' regarding the scheduled Nations League matches against Israel later this year. The 103-cap winger's comments come amid a growing campaign calling for the boycott of the two fixtures, planned for September 27 and October 4.
The 'Stop The Game' campaign, spearheaded by Irish Sport For Palestine, has gained significant traction with an open letter signed by 39 high-profile figures from the worlds of sport and music. Among the signatories is former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr, who has lent his considerable weight to the cause. McClean, currently playing for Derry City, publicly endorsed the initiative via his Instagram account, stating unequivocally that 'the game should never be going ahead.'
In his social media post, the 37-year-old acknowledged the difficult position the players would be placed in, recognizing it would mean losing 'an opportunity to play a football game for your country.' However, he suggested that 'there would not be too many if any objecting' if the boycott were to proceed, and further argued that 'the decision should be taken out of their hands' by the FAI.
McClean drew a powerful historical parallel, writing: 'If there is one country that should recognise oppression and the turmoil that brings then it's Ireland.. although with the decision makers in this country you'd be mistaken to think we ever had any history of it.' This reference to Ireland's own history of conflict and colonialism underscores the depth of feeling among those supporting the boycott.
The campaign's open letter outlines specific grievances, citing what it 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 consistently denied allegations of genocide or war crimes, maintaining that its military actions in Gaza are acts of self-defense following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.
The pressure on the FAI is not limited to former players. Roberto Lopes, the chair of the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland and captain of Shamrock Rovers, has added his voice to the chorus. Lopes, who is set to represent Cape Verde at the upcoming World Cup, wrote: 'We have to stop the game. 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.'
Lopes emphasized Ireland's potential role as a leader, stating: '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.' His comments highlight the moral dilemma facing athletes caught between sporting duty and political conscience.
The FAI finds itself in a precarious position. In February, the association confirmed its intention to fulfil the Nations League fixtures, citing the real prospect that 'that fixture will be forfeited and further disciplinary measures may follow – including potential disqualification from the competition' should the Republic of Ireland refuse to play. This stance appears to be in direct conflict with a mandate from its own membership.
In November 2025, an overwhelming 93% of FAI members voted to instruct the association to call for Israel's suspension from UEFA. The motion alleged the Israeli FA had broken UEFA rules through a 'failure to implement and enforce an effective anti-racism policy' and the 'organisation of clubs in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank without the consent of the Palestinian Football Association.' The open letter calls on the FAI to 'uphold these rules if Uefa will not' and to 'full respect and represent this mandate.'
The situation presents a significant test for the FAI's leadership, balancing potential sporting sanctions against the clear will of its members and the vocal opposition from key figures within Irish football. The outcome will have implications not only for the Nations League campaign but for the association's relationship with its players, fans, and the broader public. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.