Tyrone join calls for GAA to drop Allianz

Allianz has sponsored the GAA's National Leagues since 1993

Tyrone GAA have joined calls for the GAA to end its 30-year association with Allianz after a report alleged the company profited from Israeli forces being in Gaza.

They have voted to support a motion originally submitted by Offaly, which asks for the GAA to formally cut ties with the German multinational company.

The insurance and financial services company's Irish operation, Allianz plc, has been the leading sponsor of the GAA's National Leagues since 1993, with the current deal due to run to 2030. Allianz is also the insurer of the GAA's stadiums and 2,200 clubs.

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.

Under the heading 'Financing the violations', it said that global insurance companies, including Allianz, "invest large sums in shares and bonds implicated in the occupation and genocide, partly as capital reserves for policyholder claims and regulatory requirements, but primarily to generate returns. Allianz holds at least $7.3 billion (£5.58bn)."

This 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 last month, which is yet to report back.

In a statement, the GAA said: "The Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC) has initiated an investigation into the GAA's relationship with Allianz.

"The EIC's investigation will require consideration of material and engagement with relevant stakeholders. The EIC will conclude its investigation as soon as possible."

Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.

In September, a UN commission of inquiry said Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza though Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the UN report, denouncing it as "distorted and false".

Last month, Offaly became the first county to call for the GAA to formally end its ties with Allianz following a motion from the Ferbane club and on Tuesday, Tyrone voted in favour of backing the Offaly motion.

In a statement, Allianz plc, the operating entity for Allianz in the Republic of Ireland, said: "The GAA's Ethics and Integrity Commission's review is ongoing, and we fully respect the Association's governance structures and independent process. It would be inappropriate to comment while the Committee carries out its work.

"We are engaging constructively as appropriate and won't be commenting further while the review is under way."

Allianz plc has also confirmed that: "Contrary to online commentary and media reporting in Ireland, Allianz plc can confirm that it has no commercial relationship of any kind with Elbit Systems."