A motion calling on the Football Association of Ireland to boycott this autumn’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel was debated at the July 23 monthly meeting of Mid Ulster District Council.

SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn, who represents Torrent DEA, brought the notice of motion. He acknowledged that a withdrawal could result in financial penalties for the FAI, estimated at between €5.5m and €10.3m, as well as lost ranking points and possible relegation. He argued, however, that the decision was a matter of principle.

Quinn said that Irish players, including captain Séamus Coleman, should not be placed in an impossible position. He maintained that the FAI must take institutional responsibility and that leadership was required from FIFA and UEFA.

The councillor drew parallels with the international boycott of apartheid-era South Africa, describing peaceful boycotts as a legitimate form of protest. He noted that the FAI itself had previously sought the suspension of the Israeli Football Association from UEFA competitions, citing concerns about breaches of UEFA statutes.

The planned October fixture has been moved from Dublin to Serbia and will be played without fans. Quinn said moving the game did not resolve the contradiction of seeking Israel’s suspension while preparing to play matches “as though everything is normal.”

He added that the council cannot compel the FAI to act but can make its position clear. The motion called on the governing bodies and the FAI to “demonstrate the leadership that has so far been missing.”