The Irish women’s basketball team created a controversy at the EuroBasket 2025 qualifier in Riga by declining to shake hands with the Israeli team prior to the game. This act occurred against the backdrop of escalated tensions between the two teams, stemming from recent political developments.
Basketball Ireland issued a statement attributing the team’s decision to inflammatory and inaccurate allegations of antisemitism levelled against them by Israeli players and coaching staff. As a result, the team abstained from customary pre-match rituals, including the exchange of gifts and formal handshakes.
Despite the ensuing uproar, Israel emerged victorious with a score of 87-55 against Ireland in the qualifying match. This outcome has added another layer of intricacy to the already strained relationship between the two teams.
Ireland’s position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been unequivocal in the wake of recent events. The government has called for a ceasefire, and public sentiment within the country overwhelmingly favours the Palestinian cause. This sentiment was echoed in widespread calls for a boycott of the game against Israel, which were ultimately overruled by Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan.
Feehan cautioned about the serious repercussions the sport would face, including substantial fines and potential expulsion from future competitions, if the match did not proceed as planned. Undoubtedly, the stakes were high, and the decision to move forward with the match was not made lightly.
The controversy surrounding the game was exacerbated by comments made by an Israeli player, Dor Saar, who accused the Irish team of antisemitism. These statements further fueled the tension between the teams, prompting Basketball Ireland’s decision to forego pre-match pleasantries and other sporting protocols with the Israeli team.
In response to the unfolding events, Israeli team captain Eden Rotberg acknowledged the challenging nature of the situation. Despite the difficulties, she underscored the significance of their role and the healing power of sport. She conveyed a resolute determination, asserting with confidence that there was no doubt they would emerge victorious.
As news of the incident continues to circulate, it is evident that it has sparked broader discussions about sportsmanship, politics, and the convergence of sports and international relations. The ramifications of these events extend beyond the basketball court and intersect with the domains of diplomacy and societal values. It remains to be seen how this scenario will evolve in the days ahead.