Eileen Gleeson, the manager of the Republic of Ireland women's national soccer team, has requested that the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) seek to avoid playing future matches against Israel. The request follows significant public and political pressure regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with various activist groups calling for international sporting bodies to sanction or boycott Israeli teams.

While the FAI has not issued a formal policy change regarding the request, the move highlights the increasing intersection of international sports and geopolitical activism. The situation remains sensitive, as sporting organizations generally strive to maintain neutrality in international competitions, often citing the separation of politics and athletics. However, the pressure on national teams to take a stance has grown significantly in recent months. As of now, there is no confirmation on how the FAI will respond to the coach's request or whether it will impact upcoming tournament scheduling.