Ireland will not travel to Israel for FIBA Women's EuroBasket 2025 Qualifier due to security concerns

Ireland’s women's basketball team will not travel to Israel for their FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 Qualifier on November 9th due to security concerns caused by the ongoing conflict in the region.

The decision was made by Basketball Ireland with welfare of players and staff at the forefront in line with the latest advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs for Irish citizens, which ‘strongly advises against all travel’ to the region. Basketball Ireland has been in dialogue with FIBA and the Israeli Basketball Association to make alternative arrangements for the fixture.

Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the current conflict. The safety and security of our players and coaching staff is our primary concern and we have made that clear to James Weldon and his squad during this process. We will continue to work with FIBA and our counterparts in Israel to explore alternative arrangements for the fixture to be fulfilled at an appropriate time. The Basketball Ireland board met in full to discuss the situation and feel very strongly about the decision that has been reached.”  

Ireland head coach James Weldon added: “I welcome the clarity that the decision brings and we can now focus all our attention on our FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifier against France at the National Basketball Arena on November 12^th. I have to consider the safety of my players and staff first and foremost and I believe the outcome is the only reasonable one in the circumstances. I look forward to fulfilling the fixture when a peaceful resolution has been found to the current conflict.”  

The extended Ireland women’s squad for the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2025 qualifier against France, live on TG4 will be announced at 1pm on Wednesday, October 25^th. Tickets for the game at the National Basketball Arena are available and can be purchased here.