Allianz's support for GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association) under scrutiny by the ethics review panel
In a recent turn of events, the GAA's Management Committee has referred the association's partnership with Allianz to Croke Park's Ethics and Integrity Committee. This decision comes following an open letter signed by almost 800 current and former players from all Gaelic codes, asking for the GAA to cut ties with Allianz.
The open letter was hand-delivered to Croke Park officials by several signatories, including Colm O'Rourke, Shane McGuigan, David Hickey, and Paschal Canavan. The players' concern stems from a June report by the UN's special rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which named Allianz as a significant buyer of Israeli treasury bonds.
Allianz has been a prominent sponsor of the GAA for several decades. Its sponsorship of the GAA's National Football Leagues began in 1993 and was recently renewed up to 2030. In addition, Allianz has been the title sponsor of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship since 2023, with an extension confirmed for three more years in May 2023.
However, the Ethics and Integrity Committee will now review the arrangement with Allianz. The committee, which was formed earlier this year, is responsible for overseeing, promoting, and investigating ethical and integrity standards in the GAA. The GAA Secretary General has also consulted with the committee regarding the partnership with Allianz in recent weeks.
It's important to note that Allianz has partnerships with other GAA organisations, including Cumann na mBunscol and the Camogie Association. These partnerships are not under review at this time.
The weekend meeting of the Management Committee also granted permission to Galway GAA to host six Galway United soccer games at Pearse Stadium. This decision, while significant for Irish sports, does not seem to be related to the review of the Allianz sponsorship.
As the review process unfolds, the GAA and Allianz will undoubtedly face scrutiny and discussion from players, fans, and human rights advocates. The outcome of this review could have far-reaching implications for the future of the GAA's partnerships and its commitment to upholding ethical standards.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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