The FAI have issued an apology in the wake of a number of serious allegations from women involved in Irish football in the 1990s.
On Sunday, RTÉ Investigates and the Sunday Independent published interviews with a number of women who played for the Ireland senior team as well as players on a FÁS football training course who alleged they were subject to sexual coercion and harassment by two football coaches.
The apology read:
"The Association is appalled that women involved in Irish football had experienced serious historical abuse and manipulative behaviour.
"The Association is treating these allegations with the utmost priority and seriousness.
"Having been afforded the opportunity to meet the women, the Association acknowledges their tremendous courage in coming forward to report their experiences.
"They have reopened very dark periods of their lives in order to ensure that these matters are finally addressed and never happen to anyone else.
"The Association believes unequivocally that everyone involved in Irish football should at all times feel that they are in a safe environment and that the appropriate processes and practices are in place."
In a media briefing on Monday at Abbotstown, FAI Interim CEO David Courell added to the apology, saying:
“We are sorry for what you had to endure, we're sorry that anyone could have ever felt unsafe."
“We are sorry that the modern practises and reporting structures that we now have in place were not there for you when you needed them. And we're sorry that anyone could have ever felt unsafe in Irish football.”
Both men at the centre of these allegations have denied any wrongdoing.
Ahead of the documentary being aired on Sunday, the PFAI released a statement on behalf of the women involved, which expressed the hope that "the FAI, and all other sporting bodies in this country will take the appropriate steps to ensure it never occurs again in this country.”
Ahead of tonight's documentary, RTÉ Investigates: Girls in Green, please see a statement on behalf of a group of women involved, who wish to be known as Sportswomen Against Abuse. pic.twitter.com/WvuJCGDcFe
— PFA Ireland (@PFAIOfficial) July 7, 2024
