Vera Pauw determined to park Houston Dash controversy until after World Cup

The issue was revived only this week on the back of fresh allegations in The Athletic by anonymous Dash players and staff and it all, predictably, overshadowed the Irish team’s last warm-up game, against France, on Thursday.

WORLD CUP FOCUS: Vera Pauw has declared that she will not discuss the ongoing controversy relating to her season in charge of Houston Dash until the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming World Cup campaign is over. Pic:©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Vera Pauw has declared that she will not discuss the ongoing controversy relating to her season in charge of Houston Dash until the Republic of Ireland’s upcoming World Cup campaign is over.

The Irish boss has faced accusations relating to alleged abusive behaviour and weight-shaming during her time with the American club and has responded with denials and with her own claims of double standards against female coaches.