Garda launch probe into allegations of historical abuse from female soccer players

The FAI alerted staff and delegates on Thursday to an imminent media expose 'relating to a series of allegations of historical abuse of women involved in football in the 1990s'. Picture: Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Former international female soccer players have said complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour by male coaches in the late 1990s were not properly dealt with by the sport’s governing body.

The FAI alerted staff and delegates on Thursday to an imminent media expose “relating to a series of allegations of historical abuse of women involved in football in the 1990s”.

The association also launched a safeguarding initiative last Friday, which included a new anonymous reporting mechanism, four days after being contacted by media organisations about the allegations.

Gardaí have begun a probe into one ex-senior coach about accusations of unwanted sexual advances on players during this period. A separate complaint has also been made about a second senior coach. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

In one case, a player said she was never selected again for international duty after fleeing from a coach’s hotel room when he attempted to kiss her.

Another outlined how she believed she was “exiled” by a coach after she said she witnessed him behaving inappropriately with players.

The players’ union, the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI), has been providing support to the victims over the last six months.

The investigation will probe whether the absence of safeguards promoted an unhealthy dynamic between coaches and players, and examine what measures the FAI took to ensure a secure environment for women.

Several former players claim these were inadequate, fuelling a culture of mistreatment.

Minister for Sport Catherine Martin described the allegations as “shocking” and commended the bravery of the women who have stepped forward.

“I have been assured that the Football Association of Ireland is engaging and co-operating with the live Garda investigation into these allegations, with an athlete-centred approach.

“The safeguarding of children and young adults in sport is absolute and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger their welfare,” Ms Martin said.

Administrators at the helm in the 1990s were asked to contribute to an RTÉ Investigates programme on the issue, amid accusations the grievances aired by players were not escalated.

At lunchtime yesterday, separate emails from FAI president Paul Cooke and deputy chief executive David Courell were issued.

The latter, circulated to employees, said: “As ever, we are here to support all staff. If you find yourself impacted by any of the stories or should you need to raise any concerns, please feel free to come speak with me or our safeguarding manager or head of people and culture.” In a statement, the FAI said it was “shocked and appalled” to learn of the “disturbing allegations”.

"The Association acknowledges the enormous courage of the women in coming forward and making their concerns known and would encourage anyone involved in Irish football to report any concern that may arise," it said.

"The Association believes unequivocally that everyone involved in Irish football should at all times feel that they are in a safe environment and that appropriate safeguarding and reporting processes are in place and operating effectively."