Ireland manager Vera Pauw says she was raped and assaulted during playing days

The Football Association of Ireland has given its full support to the women’s national team head coach, Vera Pauw, after her revelations of rape and sexual abuse.

The former Netherlands defender Pauw, who has been in her current role for nearly three years, has said in a statement on social media that she was raped by “a prominent football official” when she was a young player.

The 59-year-old, who has previously managed Scotland, the Netherlands, Russia and South Africa women and made 89 appearances as a player for her country, has also claimed she was sexually assaulted by “two other men”.

In a statement on Twitter, Pauw has accused the Dutch football association of trying to keep her ordeal quiet by refusing to open a full investigation.

The Dutch FA (KNVB) has admitted it did not respond quickly enough when first approached by Pauw about the accusations and had made mistakes, but said it passed the case on to an independent investigator, as requested by Pauw.

The FAI, who appointed Pauw in September 2019, said in a statement: “The FAI has given its full support to Republic of Ireland women’s senior team manager Vera Pauw at this difficult time in her life as she makes very brave revelations about her past.

“Vera has engaged on this matter with the association’s senior leaders for some time now and the FAI has offered her all the backing she may need on a personal and professional level.

“The FAI is absolutely aware of the impact these revelations will have on Vera’s wellbeing and have assured her of the ongoing full support of the FAI board and all her colleagues at the association.

“The FAI will be making no further comment on this matter and asks the media to respect Vera’s privacy at this very difficult time.”

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