Israel Folau: Difference between revisions

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Line 16: \| club1 = [[Melbourne Storm]] \| year1start = 2007 \| year1end = ~~2008~~08 \| appearances1 = 52 \| tries1 = 36 Line 25: \| club2 = [[Brisbane Broncos]] \| year2start = 2009 \| year2end = ~~2010~~10 \| appearances2 = 39 \| tries2 = 37 Line 52: \| teamB = [[Queensland state rugby league team\|Queensland]] \| yearBstart = 2008 \| yearBend = ~~2010~~10 \| appearancesB = 5 \| triesB = 5 Line 61: \| teamC = [[Australian rugby league team\|Australia]] \| yearCstart = 2007 \| yearCend = ~~2009~~09 \| appearancesC = 8 \| triesC = 6 Line 87: \| ru_club2 = {{nowrap\|[[Urayasu D-Rocks]]{{efn\|name=D-Rocks\|When Folau joined the team, they had the name ''Shining Arcs Tokyo-Bay Urayasu.''}}}} \| ru_year2start = 2021– \| ru_year2end = \| ru_appearances2 = 1720 \| ru_tries2 = 1516 \| ru_goals2 = 0 \| ru_fieldgoals2 = 0 \| ru_points2 = 7580 \|ru_teamA = [[Australia national rugby union team\|Australia]] Line 106: \|ru_yearBstart = 2022– \|ru_yearBend = \|ru_appearancesB = 12 \|ru_triesB = [[List of international rugby union tries by Israel Folau\|0]] \|ru_goalsB = 0 Line 112: \|ru_pointsB = 0 \|source =<ref>[https://www.loverugbyleague.com/stats/players/israel-folau/ loverugbyleague]</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/israel-folau/summary.html \|title=Israel Folau - Career Stats & Summary - Rugby League Project \|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref><ref name="AFL Stats">{{cite web \|url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/I/Israel_Folau.html \|title=AFL Tables - Israel Folau - Stats - Statistics \|website=afltables.com}}</ref> \| updated = 2014 ~~March~~July 2023 }} Line 119: Folau began his professional career playing rugby league. Representing the [[Melbourne Storm]] in the [[National Rugby League]] (NRL) from 2007 to 2008, where he broke the record for most tries in a debut year. He then played with the [[Brisbane Broncos]] from 2009 to 2010. Playing as a {{rlp\|wg}} or {{rlp\|ce}}, Folau represented [[Queensland rugby league team\|Queensland]] in the [[State of Origin (rugby league)\|State of Origin]] and [[Australia national rugby league team\|Australia]], becoming the youngest player to play for both teams. In 2020, Folau played for the French rugby league team the [[Catalans Dragons]] in the [[Super League]].<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-29/israel-folau-signs-with-catalan-dragons/11908406\|title=Folau back in the game thanks to French rugby league team — but he's on notice\|last=Whalan\|first=Roscoe\|date=29 January 2020\|website=ABC News\|language=en-AU\|access-date=28 January 2020}}</ref> In 2011, Folau joined the [[Greater Western Sydney Giants]] in the [[Australian Football League]] (AFL) and played for two seasons. In December 2012, Folau announced he was to switch codes again, this time for rugby union, and signed a one-year contract with the Waratahs.<ref name = waratahs-8118/> He would later ~~became~~become the record holder for the most tries scored in [[Super Rugby]] history post the 2019 season.<ref>[https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2019/0406/1041066-israel-folau-breaks-super-rugby-try-scoring-record/ Israel Folau breaks Super Rugby try-scoring record] www.rte.ie, 6 April 2019</ref> At international level, he made his debut for Australia in 2013 against the [[British & Irish Lions]], and went on to earn 73 caps. In 2022, Folau switched allegiance in ~~honour~~order to represent Tonga after [[World Rugby]] announced its new eligibility laws. Folau's statements about ~~what he understands the [[Bible]] to say about [[same-sex marriage]] and~~ [[homosexuality]] brought him into conflict with the administrators of [[Rugby Australia]], and in 2019 they terminated his contract. Alleging that Rugby Australia terminated his employment on the basis of religion, Folau commenced proceedings in the [[Fair Work Commission]] but was unable to reach a settlement with Rugby Australia.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Mark \|first1=David \|title=Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now? \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-20/why-the-israel-folau-case-is-relevant-to-you/11282386 \|website=ABC News \|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation \|access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Maiden \|first1=Samantha \|title=Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia \|url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/19/talks-break-down-between-folau-rugby-australia/ \|website=The New Daily \|access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref> He subsequently commenced proceedings in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]]<ref name="ABC FCCA" /><ref name="Form 3" /> and a confidential settlement between the two parties was released on 4 December 2019.<ref name=settlement>{{Cite web\|url=https://australia.rugby:443/news/2019/12/04/if-joint-statement-dec\|title=Joint statement by Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and Israel Folau\|website=australia.rugby\|date=4 December 2019 \|language=en\|access-date=4 December 2019}}</ref> ==Early life== Line 410: Folau's first [[Super Rugby]] appearance for [[New South Wales Waratahs\|New South Wales]] was against long-time rivals [[Queensland Reds\|Queensland]] in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 2\|second round]] (23 February 2013) of the season at [[Lang Park]], [[Brisbane]].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true \|title=Reds vs. Waratahs – Match Summary \|last= \|first= \|date=23 February 2013 \|website=sarugby.co.za \|publisher=[[South African Rugby Union\|SA Rugby]] \|access-date= \|quote= \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214140504/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113641&homeid=15131&awayid=15201&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true \|archive-date=14 December 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Folau's debut [[Try (rugby)\|try]] for the Waratahs came in the forty-seventh minute, and was the first Waratahs try of the match. The Waratahs lost 25–17. Folau's first home appearance with the Waratahs was in the [[2013 Super Rugby season#Round 3\|third round]] against the [[Melbourne Rebels]]. Although Folau didn't score, and with the Waratahs having to fight back a ten point deficit at half-time, the Waratahs won the match 31–26.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true \|title=Match Breakdown: New South Wales Waratahs – Melbourne Rebels \|last= \|first= \|date= \|website= \|publisher=South African Rugby Union \|access-date= \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126005917/http://www.sarugby.co.za/matchbreakdown.aspx?id=113701&homeid=15201&awayid=15101&leagueid=1491&fullview=true&template=true \|archive-date=26 January 2017 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> Overall, by ~~seasons~~season's end Folau had played a total of fourteen of the sixteen matches for the New South Wales Waratahs in his debut season. In the process, Folau racked up eight tries, tied second overall for the season.<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.sarugby.co.za/tryscorers.aspx?leagueid=1491&fullview=true \|title=2013 Top Try Scorers \|last= \|first= \|date= \|website= \|publisher=South African Rugby Union \|access-date= \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221004551/http://www.sarugby.co.za/tryscorers.aspx?leagueid=1491&fullview=true \|archive-date=21 December 2016 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> However, Folau's efforts were not enough for New South Wales to finish in a finals position. The Waratahs finished third in the Australian conference, and ninth overall (out of fifteen). Furthermore, the Waratahs had a balanced record of eight wins and eight losses, accruing a positive point differential of forty-five and taking five bonus points as well.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.superxv.com/results/2013-super-rugby-results/ \|title=2013 Super Rugby Results \|last= \|first= \|date= \|website=superxv.com \|publisher= \|access-date= \|quote= }}</ref> A month post-season, Folau was named in the [[Australia national rugby union team\|Australia]] squad against the [[British & Irish Lions]], whom were on their [[2013 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia\|2013 tour of Australia]].<ref>{{cite news \|last= \|first= \|date=20 June 2013 \|title=2013 Lions Tour: Israel Folau named to make Wallabies debut against tourists \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-06-20/2013-lions-tour3a-israel-folau-named-to-make-wallabies-debut-a/4767026 \|work=ABC News \|location= \|access-date=}}</ref> ====2015–16==== Line 633: "Israel Folau Street" was named in his honour in October 2010 in a suburb of [[Goodna, Queensland]], where Folau played junior rugby league.<ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/queensland/welcome-to-israel-folau-street-20101018-16pge.html \|title=Welcome to Israel Folau street \|first=Felicity \|last=Caldwell \|date=17 October 2010 \|website=Brisbane Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.thesatellite.com.au/news/folau-to-unveil-local-goodna-street/656257/\|title=Folau to unveil local Goodna street- The Satellite<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.qt.com.au/news/Goodna-names-street-after-Israel-Folau/661381/\|title=Goodna names street after Folau\|website=Queensland Times}}</ref> On 23 October 2016, Folau announced his engagement to New Zealand [[netball]] player [[Maria Tutaia\|Maria Tuta'ia]].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/netball/85662892/silver-ferns-shooter-maria-tutaia-gets-engaged-to-wallabies-star-israel-folau \|title=Silver Ferns shooter Maria Tutaia gets engaged to Wallabies star Israel Folau \|publisher=Fairfax Media Digital \|website=stuff.co.nz \|date=23 October 2016}}</ref> They were married outdoors on a private estate in [[Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales]] on 15 November 2017.<ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11944880 \|title=Silver fern Maria Tutaia and husband Israel Folau tie the knot \|date=16 November 2017 \|via=www.nzherald.co.nz\|newspaper=NZ Herald }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web \|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/99154102/maria-tutaia-and-israel-folau-share-pictures-from-their-wedding \|title=Maria Tutaia and Israel Folau share pictures from their wedding \|website=Stuff \|date=22 November 2017 \|language=en\|access-date=17 April 2018}}</ref> ==Religious views== Line 651: ===Gender optional birth certificates=== On Wednesday, 10 April 2019, the Tasmanian Parliament passed amendments to the Birth, Deaths and Marriages Registration Act to allow [[Transgender rights in Australia#Tasmania\|gender to be changed]] on Birth Certificates by a simple statutory declaration. Later on that day on his personal [[Twitter]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of the news headline that read: "[[LGBT rights in Tasmania#Transgender rights\|Tasmania]] becomes first Australian jurisdiction to make gender optional on birth certificates". Folau then tweeted: 'The devil has blinded so many people in this world. Repent and turn away from your evil ways. Turn to Jesus Christ who will set you free".<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/israel-folau-repent-optional-gender-birth-certificates/\|title=Israel Folau urges to 'repent' for optional gender on birth certificates\|date=13 April 2019\|website=Gay Star News}}</ref><ref name ="abc">{{cite web \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-set-to-be-sacked-by-rugby-australia/10993856 \|title=Israel Folau to be sacked by Rugby Australia over homophobic comments \|date=11 April 2019 \|website=ABC News \|access-date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref name ="cnn">{{cite web \|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/04/11/sport/israel-folau-rugby-australia-nsw-contract-terminated-homophobic-post-spt-intl/index.html \|title=Australian rugby star to get dumped over homophobic social media posts \|author1=Julia Hollingsworth \|author2=Emily Dixon \|website=CNN \|date=11 April 2019 \|access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref> In response, [[Andy Brennan]], Australia's only openly gay male professional soccer player at the time, said "If I was 16 years old and reading what he said, it would have made me feel awful", and "You can't let negativity win, otherwise what [Folau] says wins."<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-03/andy-brennan-openly-gay-israel-folau-awful-comments/11474590\|title=Folau comments 'awful', says Australia's only openly gay male professional footballer\|last=Schafter\|first=Monique\|date=3 September 2019\|website=ABC News\|language=en-AU\|access-date=3 September 2019}}</ref> ===Bible verses=== Some hours later, in his personal [[Instagram]] account, Folau posted a screenshot of a [[meme]], quoting [[1 Corinthians 6#Verse 9\|1 Corinthians 6:9-10]] "WARNING Drunks, Homosexuals, Adulterers, Liars, Fornicators, Thieves, Atheists, Idolators [[Christian views on Hell\|HELL]] AWAITS YOU. REPENT! ONLY JESUS SAVES". Folau, in the same Instagram post also quoted [[Galatians 5#Works of the Flesh\|Galatians 5:19-21]],<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://davidould.net/democracy-freedom-and-the-shibboleth-of-gay-sex/\|title=Democracy, Freedom and the Shibboleth of Gay Sex\|date=15 May 2019}}</ref> and two verses on [[repentance]], [[Salvation in Christianity\|salvation]] and [[Justification (theology)\|justification]], Acts 2:38 and Acts 17:30.<ref name = "SMH Decent"/> Rugby Australia immediately denounced the post as [[Homophobia\|homophobic]].<ref name= "abc"/><ref name = "cnn"/><ref name = "SMH Decent">{{cite web \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html \|title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post \|first=Tom \|last=Decent \|date=11 April 2019 \|website=The Sydney Morning Herald \|access-date=12 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/national-news/qantas-disappointed-by-israel-folau-post-saying-hell-awaits-homosexuals/180789 \|title=QANTAS 'DISAPPOINTED' BY ISRAEL FOLAU POST SAYING 'HELL AWAITS HOMOSEXUALS' \|work=Sydney Star Observer \|date=11 April 2019 \|access-date=19 May 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=12221852 \|title=Rugby: Israel Folau surfaces after making anti-gay comments \|date=12 April 2019 \|access-date=12 April 2019 \|via=www.nzherald.co.nz\|newspaper=NZ Herald }}</ref> The next day, (11 April 2019) Rugby Australia announced their intention to terminate his contract "in the absence of compelling mitigating factors", and said they had been unable to contact him.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/rugby-australia-set-to-sack-israel-folau-for-anti-gay-social-media-post-20190411-p51dar.html \|title=Rugby Australia set to sack Israel Folau for anti-gay social media post \|date=11 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite ~~web~~news \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47893542 \|title=Israel Folau: Rugby Australia 'intends' to sack full-back after social media post \|work=BBC Sport \|date=11 April 2019 ~~\|via=www.bbc.co.uk~~}}</ref> Folau's post and the actions of Rugby Australia divided opinion amongst players and supporters and ignited a human rights debate across Australia, with Rugby Australia arguing its "inclusiveness" policy had been breached, and others calling for tolerance of the expression of religious views.<ref>{{cite ~~web~~news \|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/47932231 \|title=Israel Folau: Australia end player's contract over anti-gay message \|work=BBC Sport \|date=15 April 2019 ~~\|via=www.bbc.co.uk~~}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6019037/folau-slammed-over-anti-gay-comments/ \|title=Folau slammed over anti-gay comments \|last=Woods \|first=Melissa \|date=11 April 2019 \|website=The Canberra Times \|language=en\|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-04-11/israel-folau-slammed-over-latest-anti-gay-comments/10991574 \|title='Don't be influenced': Union stars lead criticism of Folau over anti-gay comments \|date=11 April 2019 \|website=ABC News \|language=en-AU\|access-date=13 April 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://www.2gb.com/alan-jones-condemns-rugby-australia-over-israel-folau-sacking-heres-why/ Alan Jones condemns Rugby Australia over Israel Folau sacking… here's why]; www.2gb.com; 12/4/19</ref><ref>[https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/rugby-union/liberal-mp-tim-wilson-concerned-by-move-to-sack-israel-folau/news-story/0207adf84a66a2312cd2e16ae3ed32a3 Liberal MP Tim Wilson 'concerned' by move to sack Israel Folau]; www.theaustralian.com.au; 17 April 2019</ref> Ahead of his disciplinary hearing, Folau expressed a determination to continue playing rugby, while still holding to his beliefs.<ref>{{Cite web \|date=2019-05-13 \|title=Israel Folau refused to back down in hearing itas ~~would’s~~he would have been ~~‘Satan’s~~doing ~~work’~~'Satan's work' \|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/news-comment/israel-folau-satans-work-disciplinary-hearing-sacked-latest-news-australia-rugby-a8911501.html \|access-date=2022-12-18 \|website=The Independent \|language=en}}</ref> ===Church sermons=== Delivering a sermon at his church on Easter Sunday at the height of the controversy, he broke down while recalling the words from the Bible, Matthew 16:26,<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A26&version=KJV\|title=Bible Gateway passage: Matthew 16:26 - King James Version\|website=Bible Gateway}}</ref> "For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?" <ref>[https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/this-life-we-live-in-is-pretty-hard-tearful-israel-folau-breaks-down-in-delivering-sermon-to-churchgoers/news-story/7cb0dd97ef0f4ec3b960e5a773a29017 'This life we live in is pretty hard': Tearful Israel Folau breaks down in delivering sermon to churchgoers]; www.foxsports.com.au; 3 May 2019</ref> Folau, in a church sermon, said that the devil is behind primary school children being allowed to decide if they wanted to change gender by taking away the permission of their parents. He also said homosexuality is a sin.<ref>{{Cite ~~web~~news\|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/17/israel-folau-targets-support-for-transgender-children-in-church-sermon\|title=Qantas boss Alan Joyce backs Rugby Australia's handling of Israel Folau dispute\|newspaper=The Guardian \|agency=Australian Associated Press\|date=17 June 2019\|via=www.theguardian.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-launches-fresh-attack-on-gay-people-transgender-youths-20190617-p51yba.html \|title=Folau launches fresh attack on gay and transgender people \|website=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]] \|date=16 June 2019 \|access-date=17 June 2019}}</ref> In November 2019, Folau was criticised following his preaching in regards to [[Same-sex marriage in Australia\|same-sex marriage]] and [[Abortion in Australia\|abortion]].<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-bushfires-drought-same-sex-marriage-sermon-sport-news-australia/998a1f56-5b49-4aac-a5d1-1762dfa1fc65 \|title=Israel Folau claims bushfires and drought are God's punishment for same-sex marriage \|date=18 November 2019\|work=9news\|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite ~~web~~news\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50455162\|title=Rugby star's 'appalling' bushfire link draws anger\|date=18 November 2019\|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Quoting from the [[Book of Isaiah]]<ref>{{cite ~~web~~book\|url=https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ISA.24.5-6.NIV \|title=Isaiah 24:5-6 \|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> he said he believes the scripture is talking to Australia, and said, "Look how rapid these [[2019–20 Australian bushfire season\|bushfires]], these droughts, have come in a short period of time. Do you think it's a coincidence or not? God is speaking to you guys."<ref name ="Folau1"/> In response, the Australian Prime Minister [[Scott Morrison]] described Folau's remarks as "appallingly insensitive".<ref name="Queerty 2019-11-18">{{cite news \|url=https://www.queerty.com/homophobic-rugby-player-says-wouldnt-wildfires-gay-people-just-stopped-existing-20191118 \|title=Homophobic rugby player says there wouldn't be wildfires if gay people just stopped existing \|first=Graham \|last=Gremore \|work=[[Queerty]] \|date=18 November 2019 \|access-date=25 November 2019 \|language=en-US }}</ref> ==Legal proceedings== Line 670: At the May 2019 hearing, Folau said that at least 15 teammates and members of the coaching staff had either provided him with messages of support and/or urged for his return to the playing field.<ref name ="Folau1">{{cite news\|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-fresh-attack-against-rugby-australia/news-story/529099e5c3e7972b7a6dbccff5fc23b4 \|title=Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia\|date=27 November 2019\|work=news.com\|access-date=28 November 2019}}</ref> On 6 June 2019, Folau launched legal proceedings with the [[Fair Work Commission]] against Rugby Australia and the Waratahs under section 772 of the [[Fair Work Act 2009\|Fair Work Act]], which makes it unlawful to terminate employment on the basis of religion.<ref>{{cite ~~web~~news \|last1=Mark \|first1=David \|title=Israel Folau to take Rugby Australia to Federal Court over contract termination \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-06/folau-sues-rugby-australia-for-breach-of-contract/11185064 \|website=ABC News \|date=6 June 2019 \|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation \|access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last1=Robinson \|first1=Georgina \|title=Folau takes fight against Rugby Australia to Fair Work Commission \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-takes-fight-against-rugby-australia-to-fair-work-commission-20190606-p51v53.html \|website=The Sydney Morning Herald \|date=6 June 2019 \|access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref> Folau launched a [[GoFundMe]] crowdfunding campaign in mid-June and sought to raise $3 million to cover his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-21/israel-folau-seeks-3-million-dollars-for-rugby-legal-fight/11233698 \|title='I have the fight of my life on my hands': Folau seeks $3m in donations for legal case \|date=21 June 2019 \|website=ABC News \|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/rugby-union/revealed-folau-seeks-3-million-from-donors-for-fight-against-rugby-australia-20190620-p51zm0.html \|title=Revealed: Folau seeks $3 million from donors for fight against Rugby Australia \|date=20 June 2019 \|first=Tom \|last=Decent \|work=[[The Age]] \|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Some of his former teammates described Folau's appeal as selfish and greedy.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/national/17721603.folau-accused-of-greed-over-funds-appeal-to-fight-rugby-australia/ \|title=Folau accused of greed over funds appeal to fight Rugby Australia \|website=Bournemouth Echo \|date=21 June 2019 \|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> Folau was also criticised for seeking crowdfunded money despite accumulating a multi-million dollar fortune.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/folau-hits-500k-in-donations-as-7m-property-empire-revealed/news-story/7d6a9d22dd33b5190d52f1efff03f7d1 \|title=Israel Folau news, GoFundMe, Wallaby's property empire revealed - FOX SPORTS \|date=22 June 2019 \|website=www.foxsports.com.au \|access-date=22 June 2019}}</ref> The appeal included a statement that "there will be no obligations on Israel Folau to ... apply the funds in any particular way".<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-raises-250-000-in-12-hours-but-no-guarantee-money-will-go-to-legal-costs-20190621-p51zzf.html \|title=Folau raises $250,000 in 12 hours but no guarantee money will go to legal costs \|first=Tom \|last=Decent \|date=21 June 2019 \|website=The Sydney Morning Herald \|access-date=21 June 2019}}</ref> On 24 June 2019, GoFundMe shut down Folau's fundraising campaign, stating that it violated GoFundMe's terms of service by promoting discrimination or exclusion, and that all donations would be refunded.<ref>{{cite news \|last1=Cockburn \|first1=Paige \|title=Israel Folau's campaign shut down by GoFundMe, donors to be refunded \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-06-24/israel-folau-gofundme-campaign-deleted/11240354 \|access-date=24 June 2019 \|publisher=[[ABC News (Australia)\|ABC News]] \|date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Decent \|first1=Tom \|title=Israel Folau's GoFundMe page shut down \|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/113726953/israel-folaus-gofundme-page-shut-down \|access-date=24 June 2019 \|website=[[Stuff.co.nz]] \|date=24 June 2019}}</ref> In a response to the termination of Folau's GoFundMe campaign, the [[Australian Christian Lobby]] (ACL) announced on 25 June 2019 that it was donating $100,000 to Folau, was setting up an alternate donation site, and that any funds raised would only be used for his legal costs.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.acl.org.au/mr_nat_izzy \|title=ACL Donates $100,000 to Israel Folau, Launches Alternative Fundraising Site \|date=25 June 2019\|access-date=25 June 2019 \|author=Martyn Iles \|publisher=[[Australian Christian Lobby]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Israel Folau: Australian Christian lobby hosts new fundraising effort \|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/jun/25/israel-folau-australian-christian-lobby-hosts-new-fundraising-effort \|access-date=25 June 2019 \|agency=[[Australian Associated Press]] \|newspaper=[[The Guardian]] \|date=24 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|last1=Robinson \|first1=Georgina \|title=Israel Folau crowd-sourcing to relaunch with $100,000 from Australian Christian Lobby \|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/113743883/israel-folau-crowdsourcing-to-relaunch-with-100000-from-australian-christian-lobby \|access-date=25 June 2019 \|work=[[Stuff.co.nz]] \|date=25 June 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news \|title=Australian Christian Lobby launches second Israel Folau crowdfunding campaign with $100,000 donation \|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/israel-folau-go-fund-me-campaign-australian-christian-lobby-new-website-sport-news-australia/e2f9ee1d-c145-4ded-baea-06de5b946a0e \|access-date=25 June 2019 \|publisher=[[Nine News]] \|date=25 June 2019}}</ref> The second campaign raised over $2 million in two days before being paused by the ACL with Folau's consent.<ref>{{cite news\|title='Pause button' hit after Folau's Christian Lobby fund passes $2m mark\|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/pause-button-hit-on-folau-fund-after-passing-2-million-mark-20190627-p521tg.html\|date=27 June 2019\|access-date=27 June 2019\|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> On 19 July 2019, the Fair Work Commission issued a certificate confirming all reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute between Folau and Rugby Australia had been unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite ~~web~~news \|last1=Mark \|first1=David \|title=Israel Folau's case is heading to the courts — so what happens now? \|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-07-20/why-the-israel-folau-case-is-relevant-to-you/11282386 \|website=ABC News \|date=19 July 2019 \|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation \|access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last1=Maiden \|first1=Samantha \|title=Talks break down once and for all between Israel Folau and Rugby Australia \|url=https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/07/19/talks-break-down-between-folau-rugby-australia/ \|website=The New Daily \|access-date=20 July 2019}}</ref> On 1 August 2019, Folau launched legal action in the [[Federal Circuit Court of Australia]], against RA and NSW Rugby for unlawful termination on the basis of religion, breach of contract and restraint of trade.<ref name="Form 3">{{cite web \|title=Isileli "Israel" Folau v Rugby Australia Limited & Anor - Form 3 - Claim under the Fair Work Act alleging unlawful termination of employment \|url=http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106054102/http://www.federalcircuitcourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/c1d33c54-45e6-457d-8dc1-559d85542dcb/Form+3+%E2%80%93+Claim+under+the+Fair+Work+Act+2009+alleging+unlawful+termination+of+employment.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CVID= \|url-status=dead \|archive-date=2019-11-06 \|website=Federal Circuit Court of Australia \|publisher=Commonwealth of Australia \|access-date=12 August 2019 \|date=31 July 2019}}</ref> Folau sought an apology, compensation, penalties and the right to play rugby union again.<ref name="ABC FCCA">{{cite news\|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-01/israel-folau-court-action-against-rugby-australia-waratahs/11372714 \|title=Israel Folau launches court proceedings against Rugby Australia, NSW Waratahs over unfair dismissal claim \|work =[[ABC News (Australia)\|ABC News]]} \| author=Mark, David\|date=1 August 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-legal-action-against-rugby-australia-and-nsw-waratahs/news-story/b2607ed167891aae7cfec8bb17f1db62 \|title=Israel Folau launches legal action against Rugby Australia and NSW Waratahs \|work =[[News Ltd]]\| date=1 August 2019 }}</ref> In November 2019, Folau increased his compensation claim against Rugby Australia to $14 million, claiming that he could have been a Wallabies captain.<ref>{{cite news\|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-launches-fresh-attack-against-rugby-australia/news-story/529099e5c3e7972b7a6dbccff5fc23b4 \|title=Israel Folau launches updated claim against Rugby Australia \|date=27 November 2019\|work=news.com\|access-date=27 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50568029\|title=Sacked rugby player Folau ups compensation demand\|date=27 November 2019\|work=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> This claim was viewed with bemusement and ridicule from past and present Australian rugby union players, as Folau had never held a captaincy or vice-captaincy position with any of the football teams he had been a part of.<ref>{{cite web \|last1=Robinson \|first1=Georgina \|title=Folau's captaincy claim is a smokescreen as mediation looms \|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/folau-s-captaincy-claim-is-a-smokescreen-as-mediation-looms-20191127-p53ept.html \|website=The Sydney Morning Herald \|date=27 November 2019 \|publisher=Fairfax Media \|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Israel Folau's lost revenue captaincy claim bemuses Peter FitzSimons \|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/117790778/israel-folaus-lost-revenue-captaincy-claim-bemuses-peter-fitzsimons \|website=Stuff \|date=28 November 2019 \|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|last1=Reid \|first1=Andrew \|title=Peter Fitzsimons slams 'absolutely absurd' Israel Folau claim \|url=https://au.sports.yahoo.com/rugby-australia-israel-folau-legal-battle-peter-fitzsimons-calls-captain-claims-absurd-001300261.html \|website=Yahoo Sport Australia \|date=29 November 2019 \|publisher=Yahoo \|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title='No chance': Israel Folau's Wallabies captaincy claim slammed \|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/rugby/israel-folau-no-chance-of-being-wallabies-captain/155f0132-2bba-4713-af0a-9832bbf9e1b7 \|website=Nine's Wide World of Sports \|date=December 2019 \|publisher=Nine Network \|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|title=Wallabies player 'burst into laughter' over Israel Folau's 'absurd' claim \|url=https://7news.com.au/sport/rugby-union/wallabies-player-burst-into-laughter-over-israel-folaus-absurd-claim-c-580819 \|website=7 News \|date=28 November 2019 \|publisher=7 Network \|access-date=11 April 2022}}</ref> Folau and Rugby Australia issued a joint statement and apology on 4 December 2019 that stated no harm had been intended by either party and announced that a confidential settlement had been reached.<ref name=settlement/><ref>{{Cite ~~web~~news\|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50653762\|title=Sacked rugby player Folau settles anti-gay case\|date=4 December 2019\|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> In December 2019, the [[Anti-Discrimination Act 1977#Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW\|Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW]] decided to investigate a complaint that Folau had engaged in homosexuality vilification.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/nsw-board-accepts-complaint-against-folau-20191213-p53jwj.html\|title=NSW board accepts complaint against Folau\|first=Julian\|last=Drape\|date=13 December 2019\|website=The Sydney Morning Herald}}</ref> The case was rejected and dismissed during April 2020 initial proceedings, and was found to be of ''collateral purpose, as a means to pressure the respondent to settle with him''.<ref>{{cite news \|title=NSW board declines complaint against Folau \|url=https://www.9news.com.au/national/nsw-board-declines-complaint-against-folau/406d930a-8ab4-4043-b1ff-721aed3da350 \|access-date=23 April 2020 \|agency=Australian Associated Press (AAP) \|publisher=9News \|date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Line 722: {{Commons category}} * {{sports links}} * [https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/player/index.php?playerId=4849 Israel Folau] at Rugby Database * [https://www.playersvoice.com.au/athletes/israel-folau Israel Folau's first-person articles] Line 741 ⟶ 740: [[Category:Australian rugby league players]] [[Category:Australian rugby union players]] [[Category:Australian rules footballers from ~~Queensland~~Brisbane]] [[Category:Brisbane Broncos players]] [[Category:Catalans Dragons players]] Line 772 ⟶ 771: [[Category:Tonga international rugby union players]] [[Category:2015 Rugby World Cup players]] [[Category:Australian expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]