Vera Pauw critical of FAI review process and claims her own staff turned against her

Former Republic of Ireland women's manager Vera Pauw strongly criticised the FAI’s review process of the team’s World Cup qualification campaign which led to confirmation that she would not be offered a new contract.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s News at One, Ms Pauw also claimed that some of her staff “turned” on her in the final weeks of her tenure.

Ms Pauw said it would not have been an issue if the association had informed her they did not intend to renew her contract prior to the World Cup. Things had been happening behind her back, she said.

The FAI review had been “highly flawed”, she added.

“I found out that behind my back all things were happening. I found out that behind my back even my staff was talking bad.”

Ms Pauw was adamant that there was no bad blood between her and team captain Katie McCabe despite the on-field spat during the game against Nigeria in Brisbane.

“We've spoken for over an hour with each other. We are absolutely fine with each other. I've seen a lot on Twitter regarding Katie. I hope that stops now. It’s a young woman that made a mistake. I’ve made mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. She should not be held accountable.

“I love Katie. Without spark no fire. And without fire no performance. Katie gives us so much. No hard feelings to her at all.”

Several players had contacted her privately to wish her luck and, she said.

When asked about her contract discussions with the FAI, she said they had started on March 10th when she contacted chief executive Jonathan Hill. She texted him to say she was ready to talk. “We're now 25 weeks later and nothing had happened until the last, well, two days before the end of my contract.

“In the meantime, in May, there would be a final discussion with an offer which