FAI urged to face Oireachtas scrutiny over safeguarding concerns

The Football Association of Ireland is under fresh fire after refusing to appear before an Oireachtas committee this week to answer questions about its safeguarding procedures.

Social Democrats TD Sinéad Gibney said the move was “unacceptable” and warned that public trust in the FAI would remain broken unless it stopped dodging scrutiny.

Deputy Gibney, who sits on the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Culture, Sport and Media and is her party’s spokesperson on sport, said the FAI’s refusal to engage raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.

“Part of respecting sport as a public good is demanding accountability of its associations,” she said.

“When considerable public funds are being allocated to an organisation like the FAI, we need to have confidence in its structures.

“Crucially, we deserve to know that its safeguarding measures are robust enough to keep players and staff safe. This issue is at the core of this week’s committee hearing.”

The committee is due to examine safeguarding procedures in Irish sport, with particular focus on protections for players and staff.

Deputy Gibney said the FAI cannot simply walk away when serious concerns have been raised.

“Given that the association faces questions about serious gaps in its safeguarding procedures, it is imperative it does not seek to evade scrutiny,” she added.

“We simply cannot have a situation where the FAI refuses to meaningfully engage with an Oireachtas committee.”

Public trust in the FAI remains fragile following years of financial and governance controversies.

Deputy Gibney warned that the association’s refusal to attend only deepens those doubts.

“The FAI has a troubled past when it comes to its dealings with Oireachtas committees.

“Clearly, this pattern of behaviour – where it fails to answer questions or provide accountability – has not yet been consigned to history.”