Eileen Gleeson departed from her position as head coach of the Republic of Ireland women’s national team in December of the previous year.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has stated its intention to mount a “strong legal defence” in response to allegations of gender discrimination brought forth by Eileen Gleeson, the former head coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team.
On Sunday, a report published by the Irish Independent, external detailed court documents indicating that Gleeson has accused the governing body of unfair treatment toward her and her staff based on their gender.
According to the report, Gleeson, who was serving as the FAI’s head of women and girls’ football when she was asked to succeed Vera Pauw in August 2023, felt compelled to take on the role of interim boss.
She was then appointed as permanent manager in December 2023. However, her legal representatives claim that she experienced gender discrimination in terms of compensation and her departure from the role in December of the following year, when her contract was not extended after the team failed to qualify for Euro 2025.
Gleeson’s legal team further alleges that the senior women’s team did not receive the same level of travel, security, medical, and performance support as the men’s team.
In response to the Irish Independent’s report, the FAI issued a statement asserting that it treats all allegations of discrimination “with the utmost seriousness.”
“Due to ongoing legal proceedings, the association cannot provide specific comments 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.
“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.”