Ireland won't travel to Israel for Women's EuroBasket qualifier

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

Basketball Ireland said the decision was made based on the latest advice issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs for Irish citizens, which "strongly advises against all travel" to the region.

Discussions with FIBA and the Israeli Basketball Association are continuing in order to make alternative arrangements for the fixture.

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by the current conflict," Basketball Ireland CEO John Feehan said.

"The safety and security of our players and coaching staff is our primary concern and we have made that clear to head coach 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’s group features France, Israel and Latvia, with the French ranked seventh in the world and favourites to top the pool and secure automatic qualification.

Ireland’s opening match is against the French on 12 November, with Weldon due to name his extended squad on Wednesday.

The four best second-place teams from the eight groups will also qualify, with Ireland, ranked 80th in the world, the bottom seeds in their group behind Latvia (29) and Israel (49).