Updated at 20.52

A MOTION CALLING on the Down county board to pull inter-county teams from all competitions sponsored by Allianz is to be withdrawn.

Saval GAA’s motion was due to be put forward at Thursday night’s meeting of the Down county board, but The 42 understands the motion has been withdrawn.

The 42 has contacted club officials seeking comment, while a statement from Down county board was issued this evening.

Saval’s motion had gained considerable interest following the recommendation by the GAA’s Ethics and Integrity Commission, which stated that the GAA should not sever ties with their long-running sponsor.

A United Nations report into the genocide in Gaza listed Allianz’s German parent company, through its subsidiary PIMCO, among the companies and corporations which hold Israeli government bonds.

Saval’s motion stated that “we vehemently disagree with [the Ethics and Integrity Commission's] stance, and believe it to be completely at odds with the views of the members of our Association, and indeed the very ethos of the GAA.”

A petition against the GAA’s partnership with Allianz was signed by 800 people, including current and former Gaelic games figures, while nine counties called on the GAA to end its relationship with Allianz.

With the Allianz National Leagues due to begin next week, it’s believed that some form of protest is currently under consideration by players and management teams.

That may include a boycott of any potential launch of the Allianz leagues by players. Another method under consideration is to refuse to conduct interviews in front of Allianz-branded billboards.

“Coiste Chontae an Dúin confirms that, following constructive engagement with the Committee of Saval GAC regarding the motion from the Club to the meeting of the County Committee scheduled for Thursday 15th January, agreement has been reached to withdraw the motion from the clár for that meeting,” a Down GAA statement read.

“It is recognised that a number of positive and practical initiatives may be pursued to progress the matter and to demonstrate meaningful support for the people of Gaza.

“In this context, Down GAA, on behalf of its clubs, will write to the Ard Stiurthóir, Tom Ryan, proposing that the GAA make an appropriate contribution to an Irish charity providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Such a contribution could be drawn from proceeds arising from Allianz National League gates and associated corporate sponsorship.

“We believe this proposal represents a constructive approach around which the clubs of Down and our county officers can unite.

“We further suggest that, in collaboration with Coiste Chontae an Dúin, Down clubs engage with suitable Irish charitable partners to help facilitate aid reaching those most in need in Gaza.”

A Saval statement added: ”Saval GAC want Down footballers and hurlers to play and win always. We are aware that Down fans want to watch our teams as we do.

“We are also aware that vital revenue is generated from fixtures as well as the enjoyment of our games and that our sponsors are entitled to expect our teams to compete.

“Also, we know there are many companies with links to the Israeli regime that are sponsors of the Association, albeit at a lesser level than Allianz.

“All these concerns and others are valid and have clearly been brought to the forefront of other members’ minds, which presumably explains the silence from other clubs, counties or the GPA, notwithstanding the various petitions (the 800 signatories of a letter handed into Croke Park last August) and motions (nine counties) referred to earlier.”