The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said in a statement today, July 8, that it is "appalled" to hear that women involved in Irish soccer experienced "serious historical abuse and manipulative behavior."
The FAI was responding to a joint investigation from RTÉ and the Sunday Independent into alleged inappropriate sexual advances made by male coaches towards female soccer players in Ireland.
The investigative programme debuted on RTÉ in Ireland on Sunday evening.
The FAI said on Monday it had met with the women interviewed as part of the investigation and commended them for their bravery.
"Having been afforded the opportunity to meet the women, the Association acknowledges their tremendous courage in coming forward to report their experiences," the FAI said in a statement on Monday, the day after the investigation aired.
"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."
The FAI said it has taken "immediate and appropriate action" after meeting with the women earlier in the year, stating that it has made professional support available to women affected by historical abuse.
It has also filed a report with Ireland's child and family agency Túsla in addition to seeking guidance from An Garda Síochána.
The Association said it has additionally implemented precautionary safety measures to protect current players, while it launched the safeguarding awareness campaign "Play It Right" in order to offer guidance and support to anyone involved in Irish football.
The FAI will continue to assist the appropriate authorities in their ongoing investigations, the Association added.
"All safeguarding concerns that are brought to the attention of the Association are dealt with as a matter of priority and anyone who may have experienced abuse in Irish football is encouraged to contact our Child Welfare & Safeguarding Department, while there is an additional confidential service through Raise A Concern on 01 6107929 or by emailing [email protected].
"Safety and welfare are key priorities for the Association with strong safeguards in place to help prevent inappropriate behaviors happening.
"There are also robust structures to provide a safe environment for all players, coaches, officials, and administrators across all teams and programs."
Ahead of the premiere of "RTÉ Investigates: Girls in Green" on Sunday evening in Ireland, RTÉ said the joint investigation into widespread allegations of inappropriate behaviour made by women against Irish male soccer coaches spanned two years.
"RTÉ Investigates and the Sunday Independent joint investigation looks at whether the absence of proper safeguards actually promoted an unhealthy dynamic between coaches and players and examines what measures the FAI took to ensure a secure environment for talented young girls who wanted to play soccer," RTÉ said.
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