People Before Profit candidate for the Dublin Central by-election, Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin has welcomed the decision by Dublin GAA football and hurling teams to refuse to appear in front of Allianz branded signs during the National League season that starts this weekend.
The players’ protest is in response to the GAA's decision to maintain its sponsorship relationship with Allianz despite Allianz being highlighted by Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, as complicit in Israel's occupation of Palestine and genocide in Gaza.
People Before Profit candidate for the Dublin Central by-election Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin said “I’m delighted that Dublin’s football and hurling teams, acting in solidarity with the people of Palestine, have decided that they will not be seen with Allianz signage in interviews during the National League season that starts this weekend.
“Allianz is amongst the complicit companies listed in a report by UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese, and Palestine solidarity campaigners have been calling for boycott of Allianz.
“The players’ decision comes after sustained grassroots campaigning by Palestine solidarity activists and reflects the overwhelming view of most football and hurling fans. Several GAA County boards have passed motions calling for the GAA to end its relationship with Allianz.
“The commendable decision by the Dublin players is in stark contrast to the moral bankruptcy of GAA’s leadership which recently decided to continue its sponsorship relationship with Allianz.
“The Allianz sponsorship contract with the GAA is estimated to be worth in the region of €800,000 annually. This is a sum the Government can easily provide. Contrast this modest amount with the estimated €10 million the Government gave to the US NFL to play in Croke Park last year. Investing that in the GAA and other sports would be a much better use of €10 million.
“I salute the Palestine solidarity campaigners and the GAA supporters and players who stand with the people of Palestine. The GAA authorities are lagging far behind supporters and players and must now end its moral failure by cancelling its sponsorship contract with Allianz”.