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Former FAI coach (60s) arrested in investigation into historic sexual abuse of women players
🇮🇪 Ireland /Crime & Justice

Former FAI coach (60s) arrested in investigation into historic sexual abuse of women players

From Irish Times · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • A former Football Association of Ireland coach was arrested over historical sexual abuse allegations.
  • The investigation stems from a documentary that uncovered claims of inappropriate behavior by coaches in the 1990s.
  • The FAI is cooperating with the investigation and has set up a helpline for reporting concerns.

Gardaí have arrested a former Football Association of Ireland (FAI) coach in his 60s as part of an investigation into historical sexual abuse of female players. The arrest occurred Saturday morning in Dublin. The investigation was prompted by a joint inquiry by the Sunday Independent and RTE, which culminated in the "Girls in Green" documentary released in July 2024. This documentary brought to light allegations of inappropriate conduct by male coaches toward women's teams during the 1990s.

A Garda spokesman confirmed the arrest, stating that the Garda National Protective Services Bureau is investigating allegations of historical sexual abuse involving a National Sporting Organisation during the 1990s. The arrested man is currently detained at a Dublin garda station. The statement emphasized that An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.

An Garda Síochána through the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB) are conducting an investigation into allegations of historical sexual abuse involving a National Sporting Organisation during the 1990s. This morning, Saturday 25th July, a male in his 60s was arrested by Gardaí in connection with this investigation. The male is currently detained at a Garda Station in the Dublin area. An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time.

— Garda spokesmanOfficial statement confirming the arrest and the ongoing investigation.

Coaches implicated in the "Girls in Green" investigation had previously denied any wrongdoing in their interactions with female players. In response to the documentary's findings, the FAI established a national reporting helpline for individuals involved in football to report concerns or allegations of misconduct. The association has pledged its full support to An Garda Síochána's ongoing investigation and encourages anyone who may have experienced abuse in Irish football to utilize the provided safeguarding resources.

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 visit www.fai.ie/safeguarding

— FAIThe FAI's statement on supporting the investigation and encouraging reporting.
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Originally published by Irish Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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