Seamus Coleman, Republic of Ireland, Israel
28 May 2026
Seamus Coleman said Republic of Ireland players should not have been left to answer questions over upcoming Nations League matches against Israel. Pressure for a boycott has grown, but the Football Association of Ireland says the fixtures will go ahead.
Coleman said the issue should have been dealt with above the players and called the situation uncomfortable. The captain stressed the human side of the debate while acknowledging football sanctions could follow if Ireland refused to play.