FAI refute Gleeson's claims of gender discrimination

Gleeson left her role as Republic of Ireland women's head coach in December last year

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said it will prepare a "strong legal defence" in response to allegations of gender discrimination made by former Republic of Ireland Women's head coach Eileen Gleeson.

On Sunday, a report in the Irish Independent said that court documents showed Gleeson has accused the governing body of treating her and her backroom staff unfairly because of their gender.

The article stated that in the court documents, Gleeson, who was working as the FAI's head of women and girls' football when she was asked to take over from Vera Pauw in August 2023, felt compelled to step in as interim boss.

She was appointed as permanent manager in December 2023 but according to her legal team, felt she was discriminated against in terms of her pay and her exit from the role in December last year when her contract was not renewed after faililng to qualify for Euro 2025.

Gleeson's legal team also allege that the senior women's team did not have the same travel, security, medical and performance support afforded to the men's team.

An FAI statement in response to the Irish Independent article said the governing body treats such allegations of discrimination "with the utmost seriousness".

"Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the association cannot comment on any allegations, but refutes claims made in a reported case and are currently preparing a strong legal defence as part of the court proceedings," read the statement.

"With the development of women and girls' football over recent years, the association has made significant investment into overall standards that has led to progress both on and off the pitch.

"The association is committed to making continued improvements to help strengthen and grow the game, across all levels."