The Irish and Israeli national teams will not exchange jerseys after their matches
The Irish and Israeli national soccer teams have decided not to exchange jerseys or perform traditional handshakes during their upcoming Nations League matches. This decision follows public pressure and protests in Ireland regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of international sports and geopolitical tensions, showing how public sentiment can directly influence professional athletic protocols.
--> The players on the Ireland and Israel national teams will not exchange jerseys after their head-to-head matches in the Nations League. In addition, the head coaches of both teams are expected to forgo the traditional handshake.
The first match between the teams will take place on September 27 in Hungary, where the Israeli national team will be the nominal host, and the second on October 4 in Serbia. Earlier, UEFA rejected a request from the Irish side to separate these teams during the tournament draw.
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