Dublin Players Plan Allianz Protests During National Leagues

Dublin players are set to refuse to appear in front of Allianz-branded signage during the forthcoming National Leagues. The potential move comes in protest at the GAA's decision to maintain its relationship with Allianz despite calls from a number of county boards to end its association with the insurance group. Allianz, through its German parent company, was among a series of companies listed in a report by UN special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese. The decision, should Dublin go ahead with it, would be a separate one for both the football and hurling teams rather than a county agreement. The GAA have opted against commenting on the possible development. A number of counties passed motions calling for the GAA to cut ties with Allianz, but last month the association's An Coiste Bainistíochta accepted the findings of a report from Ethics and Integrity Commission and decided not to change. In response, RTÉ Sport understands that neither their footballers nor hurlers will appear in front of Allianz signage when conducting interviews. Dublin’s Division 1 opener with Donegal on Saturday is set to be screened live on TG4. RTÉ has contacted a number of other counties but, at present, none of those were planning any protests at their games. GAA players have conducted a number of demonstrations at inter-county games in recent seasons. In 2023, a number of men’s teams posed for pre-match games in front of a '#UnitedForEquality’ banner while ladies and camogie players took action, including avoiding media engagements, to protest standards. They were suspended when commitments were received from the LGFA and Camogie Association to produce a players’ charter ahead of the 2024 season.