THREE former coaches have been issued with “stand down” orders by the Football Association of Ireland, it has emerged.
The orders restrict the ex-coaches, who were active in women’s football, from any involvement in official Irish soccer activities.
The FAI issued in the orders in March after it became aware of a number of complaints by female players.
These allegations have been brought to light following a joint two-year investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTE Investigates.
Details of that investigation are to be covered in a major documentary on RTE One television on Sunday night.
Two men are accused of making unwanted sexual advances on female players.
It has been also been alleged that coaches engaged in inappropriate relationships with players.
The FAI has the power to issue stand down orders to any person who is the subject of a complaint or inquiry by a statutory body.
These are made for protection and safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons and is not a determination of wrongdoing by any individual.
The FAI alerted both An Garda Siochana and Tusla to the allegations made by the women following a meeting with them when they came forward in February.
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All the accused have denied any wrongdoing.
According to FAI rules, a stand down order is issued to an individual “to immediately refrain from particular activities within the FAI for a specified or indefinite period pending the outcome of an enquiry or investigation in accordance with FAI Rules”.
A Garda probe has been opened into one former senior football coach.
A separate complaint has also been made about a second senior coach.
Reacting to the revelations, Sports Minister Catherine Martin said the allegations were “very shocking”.
She added: “I have been assured that the Football Association of Ireland, as the National Governing Body for the sport, is engaging and co-operating with the live Garda investigation into these allegations, with an athlete-centred approach,” she said in a statement on Thursday evening.
“I commend the bravery of the women who have stepped forward,” she added.
‘shocked and appalled’
In a statement, the FAI said it was “shocked and appalled to learn of disturbing allegations of abuse brought forward by women involved in Irish football in the 1990s”.
It added that the Association had met with some of the women to listen to and acknowledge their experiences and has also offered support.
The Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI) has been providing support to the women over the last six months.
The FAI has asked that anyone who experienced harm or abuse from Irish football to contact an independent contractor, Raiseaconcern, which it has hired to take statements from complainants.
- Raisaconcern’s contact numbers are 01 6107929 or 086 0299929. It can be emailed on football@raiseaconcern.com.