Vera Pauw hit with US sanction over weight shaming allegations

[ad_1]

Republic of Ireland boss Vera Pauw ‘must accept responsibility’ if she ever wants to work in the United States as a football manager in the future.

The sanction comes after an investigation by the National Womens Soccer League [NWSL] in matters surrounding sports in America.

A report last month accused the Dutch coach of allegedly weight-shaming while she was Houston Dash boss between 2017 and 2018.

Republic of Ireland coach Vera Pauw has been backed by the FAI amid allegations. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The 59-year-old, who was fully backed by the FAI in an earlier statement, vehemently denied the allegations and called the issues raised by the NWSL “untrue”.

“If you’ve been abused over the last 30 years and you yourself are accused of something that’s completely opposite to how I’ve treated players all my life,” said Pauw last month. “You wonder at first where it comes from.

“I will continue to defend myself against all of these claims. I spent my whole career fighting for my players and now I have to fight for myself.

Republic of Ireland Manager Vera Pauw during a press conference at the FAI HQ in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo: Sportsfile

“I am extremely frustrated to have been targeted in such a disappointing way. I cannot allow my name to be attached to such false accusations.

The report ultimately made no findings on Pauw – who submitted details but received no acknowledgment – while a number of people received lifetime bans for separate incidents.

Four coaches have been banned from football in the United States, while the Irish manager is one of eight people whose future employment with the NWSL is conditional.

Manager Vera Pauw during an announcement of the Republic of Ireland women’s team at Sky Ireland headquarters in Dublin. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

In order to find a job across the Atlantic, Pauw must meet a number of conditions set by the NWSL.

“The league will continue to prioritize the implementation and improvement of policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first,” said league commissioner Jessica Berman. , in a press release.

“These changes will require leadership, accountability, funding and a willingness to embrace this new way of doing business.”

Pauw, who will lead Ireland to their first-ever Women’s World Cup in July, will be out of contract with the FAI after the tournament.

[ad_2]