FAI back Ireland WNT boss Vera Pauw following misconduct allegations

The FAI have released a statement in response to allegations made against Republic of Ireland senior women's manager Vera Pauw.

On Wednesday, the Dutch coach was one of several managers named in a report about misconduct in the US National Women's Soccer League.

Pauw, who was Houston Dash boss in 2018, was claimed to have attempted to "exert excessive control" over her players' "eating habits" and that it was not in "best practice". It was also mentioned that she criticised players over their appearance.

Pauw has denied these allegations and the FAI have since backed the manager who guided the women's national team to their first World Cup last month.

An FAI statement read: "The Football Association of Ireland is aware of an NWSL/NWSLPA joint report into historical events within its own League in which Republic of Ireland Women's National Team Manager Vera Pauw has been referenced.

"Neither the FAI or Vera had sight of this report before it was published and we note that Vera has already expressed her views to the authors of the report.

"The FAI continues to support Vera and her team as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023."

RTE have reported that FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill will speak to Vera Pauw in Dublin later today about the allegations.