Oireachtas committee slams FAI over handling of historical abuse complaints

FAI executives face sharp criticism from TDs and senators after revelations they failed to share key abuse concerns in 2023

BAD START: Football Association of Ireland Child Welfare & Safeguarding Officer Kirsten Pakes , Chair, FAI Tony Keohane and FAI Chief Executive Officer, Football Association of Ireland David Courell arriving at Leinster House. Pic: SAM BOAL/Collins Photos

It has emerged that initial concerns about abuse of former female footballers within the FAI in 2023 were not shared with either the safeguarding manager or the President.

A joint exposé by RTÉ and the Sunday Independent in July 2024 revealed historical abuse of players involved in the Ireland team and training camps in the early 1990s.