Statement on behalf of the Irish Athletes Alliance

The Irish Athletes Alliance wishes to place on the record our admiration for the former soccer players and commend their courage in bringing forward testimonies regarding allegations of inappropriate behaviour by named individuals which have been documented by the Sunday Independent and RTÉ. By speaking out you have ensured, as you said in your own words, that your “pain will be the next generation’s gain”.

We are committed to ensuring that the experiences endured by these women never occur again in Irish sport. We also encourage any players affected by these, or other negative behaviours in the past, to come forward and seek support.

No person should have to face what these women have faced. It is incumbent on us to engage with the relevant stakeholders, including Sport Ireland and the Minster for Sport, to ensure steps are taken to better safeguard our athletes and provide them with the environment to thrive in their chosen sports and in their lives.

While we will engage with, and already have engaged with, our current members on these matters, it is essential former players across all sports know that they will be supported and that they are not alone.

Anyone who comes forward can trust that disclosures and/or concerns will be handled in the strictest of confidence, and all necessary supports and resources will be made available.