Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan has welcomed today’s reports that global sportswear manufacturer PUMA plans to end its sponsorship deal with the Israel Football Association. 

The West Belfast MLA said: 

“Confirmation that PUMA is set to end its sponsorship agreement with the Israel Football Association is a notable success for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Movement. 

“This follows a five-year campaign which attracted international support from sports associations, clubs, players and fans in calling for the sports manufacturer to end its complicity with promoting Israeli apartheid and the oppression of millions of Palestinians. 

“Sinn Féin will continue to support global boycott, divestment and sanctions that aim to bring an end to Israel’s illegal occupation and system of apartheid in Palestine.

“The Israeli bombardment against the people of Gaza which has resulted in the death of over 18,000 Palestinian men, women and children must end. There must be a full and unequivocal ceasefire now.”