'Appalled' FAI release statement to address female players’ abuse claims

FAI people & culture director Aoife Rafferty, left, and FAI interim chief executive David Courell during an FAI media briefing held at the FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI has released an official statement to address the allegations made by former female football players of inappropriate behaviour by male coaches.

On Sunday, details of the complaints were presented in the media, centring on the conduct of particular coaches in the 1990s during the all-female FÁS course in Leixlip and while on international duty for Ireland.

An Garda Síochána have launched a probe into one senior ex-coach related to accusations of making unwanted sexual advances. A separate complaint has also been made about a second senior coach.

Both have denied any wrongdoing. One insisted some details are defamatory and declared his intention to protect his reputation.

Those two individuals, and a third involved on the FÁS course, were issued “standing down” orders by the FAI in March, debarring them from involvement in the game while investigations are ongoing. None are FAI employees.

"The Football Association of Ireland today held a media briefing where Interim CEO David Courell and People & Culture Director Aoife Rafferty outlined the response to the Sunday Independent / RTÉ joint investigation," their statement began.

"The Association is appalled that women involved in Irish football had experienced serious historical abuse and manipulative behaviour. The Association is treating these allegations with the utmost priority and seriousness.

"Having been afforded the opportunity to meet the women, the Association acknowledges their tremendous courage in coming forward to report their experiences. They have reopened very dark periods of their lives in order to ensure that these matters are finally addressed and never happen to anyone else.

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

"Having met with the women earlier this year, the Association has taken immediate and appropriate action which has included the following:

• Professional support was made available and continues to be provided to the women affected by these historical events.
• A report was made to the Child And Family Agency, TÚSLA, and guidance was also sought from An Garda Síochána.
• In accordance with the FAI Safeguarding Policy and Regulations, precautionary measures were put in place to protect current players.
• A Safeguarding Awareness Campaign, ‘Play It Right’, was launched to offer guidance and support to anyone involved in Irish football.
• An independent helpline has been set up for the reporting of any serious concerns which can be disclosed by individuals in absolute confidence.
• The Association has liaised with the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland, Government, Sport Ireland and continues to engage with An Garda Síochána and TÚSLA in relation to these matters.
• The Association will continue to assist the appropriate authorities in their ongoing enquiries.

"All safeguarding concerns that are brought to the attention of the Association are dealt with as a matter of priority and anyone who may have experienced abuse in Irish football is encouraged to contact our Child Welfare & Safeguarding Department, while there is an additional confidential service through Raise A Concern on 01 6107929 or by emailing [e-mail].

"Safety and welfare are key priorities for the Association with strong safeguards in place to help prevent inappropriate behaviours happening. There are also robust structures to provide a safe environment for all players, coaches, officials and administrators across all teams and programmes.

"The Association has developed and implemented a range of modern safeguarding policies, safe recruitment practices, including a mandatory Garda Vetting process and Safeguarding training.

"A Player & Staff Welfare Framework, a Protected Disclosure Policy and Code of Conduct are also in place, while the Association has been working closely with Ireland’s international teams and programme coordinators to ensure that player safety and welfare is paramount.

"If you have experienced any form of abuse within Irish football, you can report it by visiting www.fai.ie/safeguarding."