Basketball Ireland say that they are assessing their next steps after being drawn alongside Israel in the group stages of the EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers.
They say they’re extremely alarmed by the ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza and have spoken to governing body FIBA Europe in order to address some matters.
The group has said that they are also liaising with the players, Sport Ireland and the Government.
The women’s team have previously expressed their unhappiness with being forced to make a decision on whether or not to play against Israel, and refused to shake hands with Israeli players during a game last year.
Former Basketball Ireland player Rebecca O’Keefe said that “on an international stage, we need a total condemnation and rejection of Israel”.
“The bottom line is, remove Israel from competition, and that comes down to FIBA, the governing body,” she told The Hard Shoulder.
“So far, they have not shown leadership; they have not taken a stand in the same way they did by removing Belarus and Russia.
“So, [myself and Irish Sport for Palestine] would say, the organisations like Basketball Ireland – don't play.”
Sarah Hickey of Basketball Ireland in action against Offir Kesten-Raz of Israel during the FIBA Women's EuroBasket Championship Qualifier match. Photo by Oksana Dzadan/SportsfileMs O’Keefe said she would recommend Basketball Ireland to liaise with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Luxembourg, the two other teams in their qualifier group.
“If they all say they are taking a stand, ‘We’re not playing’, the pressure goes back on FIBA,” she said.
Social Democrats TD & Spokesperson on Sport Sinéad Gibney said she “appreciates how difficult it must be” for athletes to have to weigh up their careers in these situations.
“The governing bodies are not taking the same stance as they are against countries like Russia,” she said.
“Because of the influence of other big players, which we know is the US.
“And I absolutely feel for the individual athletes.
“These are people who make sacrifices their whole lives, their families and communities make sacrifices to get them to this point in a window of their life where they can compete at this level.
“But I think they have the backing of the Irish people if they do take this action.”
Main image: Ball in basket during basketball Match, North Shore Events Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
