Bohemians Football Club has officially confirmed ongoing discussions with the Palestine Football Association regarding the potential hosting of a friendly match between the Bohemians and Palestine’s national team at Dublin’s iconic Dalymount Park. According to the club’s statement, negotiations are underway to determine a suitable date for the much-anticipated encounter.
These talks between Bohemians and the Palestinian FA have been in progress since November, with the club reaching out to both the Palestinian FA and the Mission of the State of Palestine in Ireland to orchestrate the match. Bohemians made their intentions clear in a social media post on X, indicating their dedication to making this event a reality.
“We have been in contact with the Palestinian FA for several months in attempts to arrange a friendly at Dalymount Park,” Bohemians posted on X, emphasising the ongoing nature of the discussions. The club also highlighted the crucial role played by @IrePalestine in facilitating these negotiations, aiming to secure an appropriate date for the fixture. Notably, Bohemians have pledged that all proceeds from the match will be directed towards humanitarian endeavors.
This initiative follows Bohemians’ demonstration of solidarity with Palestine last year through the launch of a special jersey: Sports for Life. The proceeds from the sales of these jerseys have been instrumental in supporting sports initiatives for children in the West Bank, reaffirming the club’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the football pitch.
While Palestine recently engaged in a friendly match against a representative team in South Africa, discussions at the FAI level have explored the possibility of a friendly encounter between Palestine and the Republic of Ireland. However, due to scheduling constraints within international windows, this proposition did not come to fruition, as disclosed by FAI CEO Jonathan Hill during a recent session at the Public Accounts Committee.
In light of these developments, talks have shifted towards the prospect of Palestine facing a League of Ireland side. It’s important to note that this process is distinct from Bohemians’ ongoing engagement with the Palestinian FA, with specifics regarding whether it would involve a single club or a representative side remaining unclear at this stage. As negotiations progress, the football community eagerly awaits further updates on what promises to be a momentous occasion celebrating the spirit of international solidarity and sportsmanship.
