Drogheda United Chair Faces Calls for Resignation Over Israel Boycott Stance

Drogheda United co-chairperson Joanna Byrne, a Sinn Féin TD for Louth, is resisting pressure from the club’s board to resign following her call for the Republic of Ireland to boycott its UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel. The dispute centers on Byrne’s public criticism of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) for confirming the matches would proceed, despite a previous motion to UEFA seeking Israel’s exclusion from European competitions.

Political Fallout and Board Concerns

Byrne stated she was informed on Monday morning that her position as chairperson was “no longer tenable” and was expected to resign, a request she intends to resist. Her initial statement last week expressed “anger and dismay” at the FAI’s decision, arguing that their previous stance on banning Israel appeared to be merely “on paper – not in actions where it counts.”

FAI and UEFA Regulations

Drogheda United, owned by US-based Trivela Group, released a statement acknowledging the concerns raised with Byrne. However, the club emphasized that these concerns were not related to her political or moral views, but rather to her “open criticism of UEFA and the FAI,” regulatory bodies to which the club is subject. The statement further highlighted the responsibility of club officials to respect the neutrality provisions outlined in the FIFA Code of Ethics and UEFA Statutes.

Trivela Group Ownership and Club Structure

Trivela Group, an Alabama-registered family office with €11 billion in capital, acquired Drogheda United in 2023. The group likewise owns English League Two outfit Walsall, Trivela FC in Togo, and Danish club Silkeborg IF. Benjamin Boycott, Marc Koretzky, and Barton Lee from Trivela, along with CEO Rian Wogan and Deputy Byrne, comprise the five-person board of directors.

FAI Motion and Previous Stance

In November, the FAI voted to submit a motion to UEFA to ban Israel from its European club and international competitions. Byrne believes the FAI’s subsequent decision to play against Israel contradicts this earlier position.

Club Response and Current Status

As of Wednesday night, Drogheda United maintained that “no changes have been made to the club’s board.” The club reiterated its concern regarding criticism of UEFA and the FAI, and the demand for adherence to FIFA and UEFA regulations.

Sources:RTÉ, The Irish Times