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 two coaches, were revealed in a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ, external on Sunday.

A number of women told the outlets they felt pressured and coerced by two named coaches while playing football in the 1990s.

Both men deny the allegations.

A media briefing was held on Monday, where FAI Interim CEO David Courell and People & Culture Director Aoife Rafferty apologised to the former players.

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

“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.”

“I’m truly sorry that anyone involved in Irish football would ever feel unsafe,” Aoife Rafferty said.

The women met with the FAI when they came forward in February this year.

A statement from the FAI was released on Monday, which stated:

“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.”