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.

Although the FAI claimed it first received complaints six months earlier via the players’ union, a chain of emails later cast doubt on this timeline.

Cathal Dervan, who left his role as public relations director earlier this year, complained internally that the association was “too slow” to act on the intelligence it had.

Those emails show a chain of events where the FAI felt it was sufficient to draft a press release to address media queries.

Jonathan Hill instigated the email chain on May 4, 2023. He has since left the FAI, but his successor, David Courell, was then chief operating officer.

Mr Courell and HR director Aoife Rafferty were both copied on the emails but refused to discuss their awareness when questioned by the Oireachtas committee on sport.

Ms Rafferty responded to Mr Dervan’s draft statement, writing: “Perfect, Cathal. That definitely keeps us safe for now.”

The session was delayed after the FAI twice deferred the committee’s request, originally made in July, citing an ongoing garda investigation.

That excuse was dismissed by committee chair Alan Kelly, who later asked the sports minister to intervene after the FAI “doubted the committee’s intentions.”

“It is unprecedented to have the intentions of a committee questioned,” said the Tipperary North Labour TD. “That’s deeply concerning and troubling.”

Mr Kelly’s frustration grew when the first four minutes of questioning during Wednesday’s two-hour session were stonewalled.

“This is a bad start,” said Fine Gael senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn, after Mr Courell and Ms Rafferty sidestepped questions on their awareness.

It emerged that safeguarding manager Kirsten Pakes and President Paul Cooke were only informed of the concerns in early 2024.

Ms Pakes was only added as a witness after the committee initially invited Mr Courell, Ms Rafferty, Mr Cooke, and chairman Tony Keohane.

Much of the session focused on the distinction between what constituted a concern and a complaint.

“Your helpline launched in June 2024 was entitled RaiseAConcern,” added Ms McChuilinn. “Why didn’t you start it when first aware in 2023. This was more than a rumour – you drafted a press release.

“There was no concern for women, only for yourselves.”

Fianna Fáil TD Peter “Chap” Cleere was furious at the FAI’s approach to the cross-party committee.

“I’d heard about toxic culture within FAI and everything I’ve seen today has done anything to negate that culture. As a father of four girls who play football, I don’t have confidence that a safeguarding concern would be dealt with properly.”

Mr Kelly suggested the FAI would be called back into extra sessions to discuss outstanding matters.

Mr Courell said: “In the fullness of time, look forward to defending our reputation. Our conscience is clear.”