FAI Rejects Eileen Gleeson’s Gender Discrimination Claims

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has formally denied allegations of gender discrimination made by former Republic of Ireland head coach Eileen Gleeson. Gleeson, who is pursuing legal action against the FAI, claims she was coerced into transitioning from her role as head of women’s and girls’ football to succeed Vera Pauw as the senior women’s coach in September 2023.

Gleeson asserts that the FAI has violated her right to equal pay, highlighting a significant disparity: the annual salary for the men’s head coach, Heimir Hallgrímsson, reportedly exceeds six times that of the women’s manager, which is set at €100,000. These allegations were initially reported by the Sunday Independent.

In an email statement, the FAI emphasized its commitment to addressing all discrimination claims seriously. “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,” the statement read. The FAI also noted its significant investments in the development of women and girls’ football, which they believe have led to advancements both on and off the pitch.

Security Concerns and Budget Increases

The FAI has acknowledged two security incidents involving the women’s squad in September 2023. One incident occurred at Dublin Airport, where Gleeson reportedly had to physically intervene when an individual attempted to assault a player. The second incident involved a man who followed players at their hotel in Budapest, entering the team’s medical room while wearing a bathrobe. Following these events, the FAI appointed a security guard for the women’s team, which previously had no dedicated security during international matches. In contrast, the men’s team travels with three security personnel.

Since 2019, the budget for the women’s squad has increased by over 400 percent. This funding boost has facilitated improvements such as private accommodations for each player at the Castleknock Hotel and business-class flights for long-distance travel, particularly for players based in the United States like Denise O’Sullivan and Kyra Carusa.

Coaching Changes and Future Developments

Following Gleeson’s departure, the FAI appointed Carla Ward as the new head coach. Ward has since brought in two performance analysts, a role Gleeson stated she had previously managed alone before her exit. The circumstances surrounding her departure have sparked discussions about the influence of match results on coaching decisions, with former player Julie-Ann Russell remarking, “If we won [the playoff against Wales], Eileen Gleeson would be running for president. It is mad how a result changes everything.”

As the FAI prepares for potential scrutiny, senior leadership is set to appear before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Sport on September 26, 2023. Chief Executive David Courell is also scheduled to address the media on September 12. Meanwhile, Gleeson remains employed by the FAI in a capacity focused on football strategic insights and planning.

The unfolding situation highlights ongoing challenges and discussions around gender equity in sports, particularly in the realm of coaching and pay. The FAI’s response and future actions will be closely monitored as legal proceedings progress.