Breaking FAI 'stands down' three men following female players' allegations

By Marie Crowe and Mark Tighe

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has issued "stand down" orders to three former coaches who were active in women's football, RTÉ Investigates understands.

The orders, which restrict the men from any involvement in official Irish football activities, were issued in March after the FAI became aware of a joint investigation by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ Investigates.

Details of that investigation are to be covered by RTÉ online over the coming days, and in a major documentary on RTÉ One television on Sunday night, as well as published in a special report in the Sunday Independent newspaper and on the Irish Independent website.

Former players have alleged that coaches engaged in inappropriate relationships with players, while two of the men are accused of making unwanted sexual advances on players.

The FAI’s concerns and complaints policy gives it the power to issue stand down orders to any person who is the subject of a complaint or inquiry by a statutory body. It is made for the immediate protection and safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons and is not a determination of wrongdoing by any individual.

After meeting with some of the women who have come forward in February, the FAI alerted both An Garda Síochána and Tusla to the allegations made by the women.

All deny 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."

Yesterday, it was revealed that An Garda Síochána has opened an investigation into one former senior football coach.

A separate complaint has also been