Ireland are set to face Israel in a UEFA Nations League match in Hungary on Sunday, but calls for a boycott are intensifying both on and off the field.
The Nations League, a European competition organized by UEFA, pits national teams against each other in group stages. Ireland and Israel are grouped together, with the upcoming fixture scheduled to take place at a neutral venue in Hungary.
Activists and pressure groups have begun urging a boycott of the game, citing political concerns. The campaign has extended beyond the stadium, with supporters calling on players, officials and sponsors to withdraw from the match.
As of now, the Irish Football Association has not issued a public statement regarding the boycott demands, and preparations for the match remain uncertain amid the growing pressure.
The outcome of the dispute could affect whether the teams meet on the pitch as planned on Sunday, adding a layer of controversy to an already competitive international fixture.
<small>Source: Al Jazeera — read the original story there.</small>
