The Football Association of Ireland is bracing itself for an investigation by the Garda Síochána this weekend after widespread claims were made that said that a former senior FAI coach made unwanted sexual advances towards a number of female players in the 1990s.
This weekend, RTÉ Investigates will air a feature-length TV documentary on Sunday at 9:30 p.m., covering the results of a two-year investigation into allegations of inappropriate behaviour by male coaches towards female footballers in the 1990s. The documentary will also be available on the RTÉ Player.
The programme reveals allegations of sexual misconduct by senior Irish football coaches, with one coach being a well-known figure in Irish football. It includes testimonies from former female players, coaches, and officials, with some women revealing their experiences for the first time.
Specific allegations include a player being dropped from the team after rejecting a coach’s advances and another feeling exiled after witnessing a coach’s misconduct.
The investigation has led to the Gardaí opening a criminal investigation into the allegations. The FAI (Football Association of Ireland) is also engaging with the women involved and the relevant authorities.
FAI braced for bombshell investigation into allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’ made by female players against male coacheshttps://t.co/QvUtj1znB8
— Mark McCadden (@markmccadden) July 4, 2024
RTÉ released a statement about the pending RTÉ Investigates programme, which read: “The groundbreaking investigation covered in a feature-length TV documentary and extensive written articles this Sunday has, in the last number of weeks, led to Gardaí opening an investigation into a former senior football coach following allegations from female footballers that he made unwanted sexual advances towards players. A separate complaint has also been made about a second senior coach.”
Minister for Sport Catherine Martin described the allegations as “shocking” and saluted the bravery of the women who have stepped forward.
“I have been assured that the Football Association of Ireland is engaging and cooperating with the live Garda investigation into these allegations,” she said, “with an athlete-centred approach.
“The safeguarding of children and young adults in sport is absolute, and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger their welfare.”
The FAI has responded to the allegations and has said they will "support all staff" in the process.
Interim CEO David Courell issued a statement to FAI staff, saying, “As ever, we are here to support all staff. If you find yourself impacted by any of the stories, or should you need to raise any concerns, please feel free to come and speak to myself, Aoife (Rafferty), or Kirsten (Pakes).”
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