
Dublin's senior footballers and hurlers are planning to protest over Allianz's continued sponsorship of the National Leagues this weekend.
According to RTÉ, the controversial sponsorship is set to come under further scrutiny with Dublin players set to refuse interviews in front of the insurance company's branding. The Dublin footballers open their 2026 League campaign against Donegal at Croke Park on Saturday night, while the hurlers are away to Clare in Ennis the following day. It's understood that each player will make their own choice as to whether to protest, rather than it being a collective stance taken by either squad.
It's also understood that 16 former Dublin footballers, including Pat Gilroy, David Hickey, Mickey Whelan, Philly McMahon and Michael Darragh Macauley, have signed a letter to Ger Brennan's football squad supporting their stance.
The protest follows the GAA’s decision to retain its 30-year partnership with Allianz, despite calls from a number of county boards for the Association to cut ties with the insurance company.
Just before Christmas, a meeting of the GAA’s An Coiste Bainistíochta took place and, after hearing a report from the Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) on the issue, the decision was taken to accept the recommendation of the EIC.
In June, a report from UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese named 'From economy of occupation to economy of genocide' claimed Allianz was benefiting financially from Israeli forces being in Gaza, by investing in organisations involved in the war. The report prompted many in the GAA to call on the Association to cut ties with Allianz, with around 800 high-profile players signing a petition in August, with the GAA then referring the issue to its Ethics and Integrity Commission.
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