Ireland's EuroBasket 2027 Qualifying Challenges

Basketball Ireland is currently evaluating its next steps after being drawn against Israel in the upcoming EuroBasket 2027 qualifiers. The team is set to compete in a group that also includes Luxembourg and Bosnia-Herzegovina, with matches scheduled for November 2025 and March 2026.

Geopolitical Tensions and Sports

The backdrop to this sporting event is the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has led Ireland to express serious concerns. Basketball Ireland has engaged with FIBA Europe, seeking clarity on several issues and discussing the implications of the current geopolitical situation on the qualifiers.

Potential Consequences of Withdrawal

Ireland faces significant penalties if it chooses not to participate in the qualifiers. A fine of 80,000 euros is imposed for missing the initial fixture on November 18, with an additional 100,000 euros if the return match is skipped. Furthermore, Ireland risks being excluded from the 2029 EuroBasket qualifiers and could face additional sanctions from FIBA Europe.

Historical Context

This is not the first instance of tension between Ireland and Israel in the context of basketball. In a previous EuroBasket qualifier in February 2024, Ireland's team refused to shake hands with Israel and stood aside during the national anthems, actions that led to accusations of antisemitism from an Israeli player and a formal warning from FIBA.

Moving Forward

Basketball Ireland is consulting with players, staff, the Irish government, and other stakeholders to decide the best course of action. The organization remains committed to addressing the complexities of competing in such a charged environment while upholding the values of sportsmanship and fair play.