IRELAND manager Vera Pauw has been named in a report into misconduct in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The 14-month investigation reviewed past and ongoing allegations of misconduct by NWSL staff and coaches, including allegations made against Pauw.
Pauw, who led Ireland to a first ever World Cup qualification in October, was manager of Houston Dash at the time of the alleged incidents.
The allegations against Pauw relate to weight-shaming. She is also described in the report as a “power freak” by players.
According to the report, ‘A Dash player also described her coach, Pauw, having “outbursts” of “emotional yelling” in which she would “get up in a frenzy,”...’
It continued: ‘Players also stated that Pauw commented on players’ legs as being “bulky” and prohibited players from lifting weights based on her view that it would make them bulkier when she wanted players to be lean.’
Other extracts included, ‘...players noted that Pauw wanted to exert control over “every aspect of [their] lives,” including “everything you were putting in your body, every exercise you were doing.”’
And, ‘After experiencing weight-shaming by Pauw and (Paul) Riley, witnesses reported that players developed eating disorders and sought mental health treatment.’
Pauw, the report stated, ‘appeared for an interview with the Joint Investigative Team, but refused to cooperate.’
She did provide a written denial ‘of what she suspected were the allegations against her, including a statement that she has never remarked on the appearance of a player or kept track of players’ weight.’
The FAI last night declined to comment on the report.
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