GAA will maintain relationship with Allianz

The GAA has opted to continue its 30-year association with Allianz despite calls from a number of county boards to end the relationship after a report alleged the company profited from Israeli forces being in Gaza.

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', external, 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 and the issue referred to the GAA's Ethics and Integrity Commission (EIC).

The subsequent EIC report was discussed at a meeting of the GAA's Coiste Bainistiochta at Croke Park on Friday evening.

The GAA said that at the meeting it was "agreed to accept the recommendation of the EIC and maintain the long running partnership" with Allianz.

"If the GAA was to terminate its contracts with Allianz it would be impossible to secure an alternative insurer that would not have similar links," said the statement from the GAA of the factors cited in the report.

"The unilateral termination of the contract with Allianz plc by the GAA could expose the Association to legal consequences apart from loss of sponsorship.

"The GAA is ethically and legally bound to honour its contracts and a failure to do so has the potential to damage its reputation and undermine its ability to do business with commercial entities. Allianz plc has no involvement with the IDF or corporate entities involved in the war in Gaza. Any such relationship is with a 'sibling or cousin company'.

"The report also advised the Association to encourage Allianz plc to use its influence to encourage other companies within the group to act in accordance with Irish, European and international Law."

The GAA did note "the strongly held views" of some members.

In October, Offaly became the first county to call for the GAA to formally end its ties with Allianz following a motion from the Ferbane club. Eight other counties officially followed.

"Similarly, it also advised that all contractual arrangements are assessed to ensure that parties with whom the Association's units are doing business are not engaged in unethical activities," continued the statement.

"The GAA acknowledges the strongly held views of some of its members on this issue, and the Association would also like to thank the EIC for their work in this matter."

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".

Allianz plc reiterated they have "no holdings in the government bonds referenced" in the Albanese report.

The company expressed its appreciation for the work carried out by the GAA in its investigation and said it is happy to continue with the long-standing partnership.

"We acknowledge the conclusion of the GAA Ethics and Integrity Commission that, following their thorough and careful assessment, Allianz plc is aligned with the standards set out in its ethical framework," they said in a statement sent to BBC Sport NI.

"For clarity, Allianz plc confirms that it has no holdings in the government bonds referenced in a report by the current UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, has no relationship with Elbit Systems and does not engage in any investment or underwriting activity connected to the Middle East. We have been transparent about this factual position throughout.

"We appreciate the seriousness and independence with which the commission has conducted its work. This process has provided independent assurance on a complex issue and confirms that the partnership can continue on a clear and informed basis.

"The GAA sits at the heart of Irish community life, and Allianz plc is proud to support Gaelic games, volunteers, schools and local clubs across Ireland. We look forward to continuing that work in the seasons ahead."