Calls to remove Israeli team from World Ultimate Club Frisbee Championships in Limerick

(Left to right) Irish players Cian Hypolite, Darragh O'Sullivan, Vittoria Rainusso, and Aoife McAllister at the launch of Limerick being announced as the host city for the WFDF 2026 World Ultimate Club Championships. File picture: Brian Arthur

Calls have been made for an Israeli club to be barred from competing in the World Ultimate Club Frisbee Championships, which take place in Limerick next week.

Independent councillor Ursula Gavan told the Irish Examiner she is ready to stage a protest if the New Age team participate in the tournament.

Based in central Israel, New Age is part of the Israeli Flying Disc Association, an organisation which has expressed support for Israel's war on Gaza, as well as organised tournaments for soldiers in the IDF.

More than 3,500 players and officials are expected to attend the championships at the University of Limerick, which are being organised under the auspices of the World Flying Disc Federation.

Dublin's Ranelagh Ultimate team has vowed to boycott the tournament if the Israeli side is allowed to compete.

"We believe it is wrong for a state plausibly committing a genocide in Gaza, according to the 2024 ruling by the International Court of Justice, to have representation at this tournament," they said.

Ms Gavan said while she has contacted the different actors involved, it has been difficult to get anyone to take accountability. “Everyone seems to be passing the ball, and nobody seems to be taking responsibility and leadership on it," she said. 

"I suppose that's where my call comes from. I'm just looking for moral leadership, it's unconscionable that we can have an Israeli team coming to this country participating in a championship and university with such public feeling against it in light of the ongoing genocide."

Since calling for the removal of the team, Ms Gavan said she has received hundreds of messages of support. If the team is still allowed to partake despite calls for its removal, she said she is ready to stage a protest.

Last month, a Treaty United volunteer who displayed a banner supporting a campaign to halt Ireland's planned football match against Israel said he was later dismissed by the club — a claim the club rejected. 

On a separate occasion, supporters claimed they were asked to leave after displaying a 'Stop the Game' banner during a home match.

Speaking of the lack of a moral stand being taken in the sports world, Ms Gavan said: “It’s sportswashing, that's what it literally is. It’s ongoing genocide in front of our eyes that we're watching, and we have to take a stand on it. The moral compass is lacking”.

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Meanwhile, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign have also called for organisers to remove New Age from the World Ultimate Club Frisbee Championships.

"The Palestinian sporting boycott calls for Israeli institutions to be excluded from international sport because of their complicity in Israel's genocide, apartheid, and denial of Palestinian rights," they said on social media. 

"Two participating Irish teams have already pledged not to play against New Age. Campaigners are now calling on UL and UL Sport to refuse to host the event if New Age remains, and on Limerick City and County Council to withdraw its support and sponsorship."

A spokesperson for UL said: "UL is providing access to its sporting facilities as the venue for the World Ultimate Club Championships. The tournament is organised and governed by the World Flying Disc Federation and the local event organisers, who are responsible for all matters relating to participation, eligibility and competition governance.

"As the venue provider, the university has no role in determining which teams are invited to, or participate in the tournament, nor does it have any authority over the governance decisions of the event organisers or the governing bodies of the sport.

"UL remains committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for all members of our community. UL recognises the importance of peaceful expression and respectful dialogue on matters of significant public concern."