FAI apologises after sexual harassment allegations

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has apologised to women players who allege they were sexually harassed and coerced.

The allegations, made against 2 coaches, were revealed successful a associated investigation by nan Sunday Independent and RTÉ connected Sunday.

A number of women told nan outlets they felt pressured and coerced by 2 named coaches while playing shot successful nan 1990s.

Both men contradict nan allegations.

A media briefing was held connected Monday, wherever FAI Interim CEO David Courell and People & Culture Director Aoife Rafferty apologised to nan erstwhile players.

“We are sorry for what you had to endure, we're sorry that anyone could person ever felt unsafe,” Interim CEO David Courell said.

“We are sorry that nan modern practises and reporting structures that we now person successful spot were not location for you erstwhile you needed them. And we're sorry that anyone could person ever felt unsafe successful Irish football.”

“I'm genuinely sorry that anyone progressive successful Irish shot would ever consciousness unsafe,” Aoife Rafferty said.

The women met pinch nan FAI erstwhile they came guardant successful February this year.

A connection from nan FAI was released connected Monday, which stated:

“The relation is appalled that women progressive successful Irish shot had knowledgeable superior humanities maltreatment and manipulative behaviour.

“The relation is treating these allegations pinch nan utmost privilege and seriousness.

"Having been afforded nan opportunity to meet nan women, nan relation acknowledges their tremendous courageousness successful coming guardant to study their experiences. They person reopened very acheronian periods of their lives successful bid to guarantee that these matters are yet addressed and ne'er hap to anyone else.”

The relation opportunity they judge “unequivocally” that everyone progressive successful Irish shot should astatine each times consciousness that they are successful a safe situation and that nan due processes and practices are successful place.

Having met pinch nan women earlier this year, nan relation opportunity they person taken contiguous and due action, including:

• Professional support was made disposable and continues to beryllium provided to nan women affected by these humanities events
• A study was made to nan Child And Family Agency, TÚSLA, and guidance was besides sought from An Garda Síochána
• In accordance pinch nan FAI Safeguarding Policy and Regulations, precautionary measures were put successful spot to protect existent players
• A Safeguarding Awareness Campaign, ‘Play It Right’, was launched to connection guidance and support to anyone progressive successful Irish football
• An independent helpline has been group up for nan reporting of immoderate superior concerns which tin beryllium disclosed by individuals successful absolute confidence.
• The Association has liaised pinch nan Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland, Government, Sport Ireland and continues to prosecute pinch An Garda Síochána and TÚSLA successful narration to these matters
• The relation will proceed to assistance nan due authorities successful their ongoing enquiries.