Drogheda United's chairperson Joanna Byrne has said she will 'resist' calls to leave the club following a controversy over the team's stance on playing Israel in the Nations League. Byrne, who is also a Teachta Dala (TD) for the political party Sinn Fein, has been at the center of the debate after she called for Republic of Ireland not to fulfill its Nations League games against Israel, citing the conflict in Gaza. The Football Association of Ireland has said it will play the fixtures against Israel, scheduled for later this year, due to the threat of 'potential disqualification' if they do not. Byrne claimed she was informed by the club that her position 'was no longer tenable' and it held 'an expectation that I would resign'. 'This unwarranted action was taken after my public statement last week that Ireland should not play Israel in the Nations League while a genocide against the Palestinian people continues,' Byrne wrote. Israel has denied its war in Gaza amounts to genocide. Byrne added that her view was shared by the 'majority of Irish football fans' and that her comments were not made in the capacity of her position at Drogheda or relating to the club. Sullivan and Lambe, the stone supplier company which sponsors Drogheda's stadium, has said it was 'actively reviewing' its relationship with the club in light of the episode. The controversy has sparked a debate within Ireland, in both the political and sporting spheres. Byrne's stance has been met with support from some, but also criticism from others who argue that the team's decision to play Israel is a matter of sporting integrity. The FAI has said it will play the fixtures against Israel, citing the threat of 'potential disqualification' if they do not. The decision has been met with criticism from some, who argue that the team should prioritize the human rights situation in Gaza over sporting interests. The controversy has also sparked a debate about the role of politics in sport, with some arguing that teams should not be drawn into political controversies.