The Republic of Ireland's upcoming Nations League matches against Israel have sparked widespread debate across the country, extending from politics into domestic football. At the center of the controversy is Drogheda United chairperson Joanna Byrne, who has said she will resist calls from the club's board to resign after publicly urging Ireland not to play the fixtures due to the conflict in Gaza.

Byrne, who is also a member of the Irish parliament for Sinn Fein and the party's spokesperson on sport and culture, said she was told her position at the club was no longer tenable following her comments. She maintains that her views were expressed in a personal and political capacity, not on behalf of the club, and claims they reflect the opinion of many Irish football supporters.

The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed it will fulfill the scheduled matches, citing the risk of potential disqualification if it refuses to play. Drogheda United stated that no changes have been made to its board and that concerns raised were related to criticism of governing bodies such as the Union of European Football Associations and adherence to neutrality rules under international football statutes, rather than Byrne's political beliefs.

The club's main sponsor has voiced concern over efforts to remove Byrne, while Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley criticized what he described as an attempt to censor her. Israel's home fixture against Ireland is set for late September, with the return match in Dublin scheduled for early October.