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Jackson Irvine departs FC St. Pauli for Japan's Cerezo Osaka
Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine, 33, and captain of German 2. Bundesliga side FC St. Pauli, has terminated his contract and will join J‑League club Cerezo Osaka. The move follows his participation in the 2026 World Cup with Australia and a period of absence from St. Pauli training.
Irvine’s departure comes after a controversy in 2025 when he wore a “FC Palestine” shirt and took part in a Gaza‑related demonstration, prompting accusations of antisemitism. The incident sparked heated debate among fans and club officials, though the club’s leadership later described the criticism as a “social‑media reflex”. The transfer to Japan is now confirmed by club sources.
The switch marks the end of Irvine’s five‑year spell with St. Pauli, during which he served as captain and was a prominent figure both on the pitch and in the public eye.