Pauw's historical allegations became a 'distraction' for team

Ireland’s pre-match press conference for the farewell World Cup friendly against France on July 6 was overshadowed by Vera Pauw addressing media queries, Captain Katie McCabe, flanking Pauw at the event in Tallaght Stadium, acknowledged the matter had become a distraction. 

ADVISED NOT TO: FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill said he advised Vera Pauw not to allow the pre-match press conference for the farewell World Cup friendly against France on July 6 was overshadowed by Pauw addressing media queries. Pic:  ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Vera Pauw’s decision to ignore FAI advice on dealing publicly with historical allegations proved to be the beginning of the end for her Ireland tenure.

The ex-women’s team manager was twice since January the subject of misconduct claims from her 2018 spell at Houston Dash but her reaction to the July media expose turned her employer against Pauw.