FAI to be hauled before State's Oireachtas Sport Committee

David Courell’s position isn’t expected to be under pressure. Pic: Ryan Byrne

The FAI will be back before a Government committee next month. Chief executive David Courell’s position isn’t expected to be under pressure but how the organisation handled historical allegations of misconduct by the women’s team manager is to be pored over.

A recent report in the Sunday Independent suggested the FAI were too slow in reacting to the matter, detailing emails which suggested the association’s priorities were preventing it from going public.

An investigation last summer, including by RTÉ Investigates, detailed allegations of abuse in the camp. Several players spoke on camera of a culture of fear.

It was also claimed that the Ireland women’s manager at the time was allowed to continue coaching elsewhere because the FAI hadn’t issued a standdown order.

Speaking under Dáil privilege, Cork North Central Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan on Tuesday outlined his concern, questioning both the Taoiseach and sports minister Charlie McConalogue. 

“For an organisation such as the FAI not to act on this matter, even in the absence of an official complaint or allegation, is extremely worrying and, if I am being brutally honest, it directly contradicts its child welfare and safeguarding policy,” he added.

McConalogue insisted a formal complaint was required before the FAI acted. “Once it received a formal complaint in January 2024, the FAI acted swiftly and contacted An Garda Síochána and Tusla in accordance with mandatory reporting requirements and its own safeguarding and child welfare regulations.

“The allegations made by women involved in football in the 1990s were truly shocking and I commend the bravery of those who came forward to tell their stories. It is vital that allegations of this nature are taken seriously and dealt with in the appropriate manner.”