Basketball Ireland has confirmed that the women’s national team will proceed with its EuroBasket 2027 qualifier against Israel a decision shaped by weeks of behind-the-scenes debate and intense pressure from the sport’s European governing body.
The move comes amid a backdrop of deep public anger over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, raising serious ethical questions about competing against Israel in the current climate.
In its official statement, Basketball Ireland said the decision followed “lengthy and careful consideration,” during which all possible alternatives, including withdrawing, were examined.
The turning point came when FIBA Europe warned that any refusal to play would carry heavy consequences.
“Facing Israel in these circumstances is not a scenario we would wish. But FIBA Europe made it clear that refusing to play would lead to sanctions that could seriously damage Irish basketball, particularly the women’s game, which is still rebuilding after a 14-year absence from the international stage,” admitted CEO John Feehan.
The Irish side has agreed to face Israel only at neutral venues, a stipulation already lodged with FIBA.
The penalties for withdrawal would have been severe: €80,000 for missing the November away match and €100,000 for skipping the return game in March 2026. Beyond that, Ireland risked being barred from both the 2027 and 2029 EuroBasket campaigns.
Ireland’s first meeting with Israel is set for 18 November away, with the return leg in spring 2026.
This is not the first time relations on court have been strained. In February 2024, Irish players staged a silent protest by refusing handshakes and opting out of Israel’s national anthem before tip-off.
The action sparked backlash from Israel, with guard Dor Saar accusing the team of antisemitism comments Basketball Ireland labelled “inflammatory and wholly inaccurate” before reporting them to FIBA. The governing body later issued Ireland with a warning.
Feehan made clear that the federation still holds serious humanitarian concerns over Gaza, but sporting rules leave them with little choice.
“There has been no change in Israel’s status within international sport, as confirmed by FIBA Europe, the International Olympic Committee, and other governing bodies,” he said.
Ireland will begin its EuroBasket qualification campaign at home, hosting Luxembourg on 12 November and Bosnia-Herzegovina on 15 November, before the controversial fixture against Israel.
“We are committed to supporting our athletes, growing the women’s game, and maintaining our place in international basketball. We also continue to call for peace, humanitarian access, and an end to suffering in Gaza,” Feehan added.
This decision locks Ireland into a politically charged showdown one they may not want, but one the rules of international sport have made unavoidable.
