Football governing body UEFA have revealed their punishment for Republic of Ireland women's team for singing a pro-IRA song following a European qualifier earlier this year.
The controversy arose following Ireland' s 1-0 victory over Scotland in October to confirm their place at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Video footage circulated on social media after the win appearing to show players singing a pro-IRA chant. It was announced shortly after that European football's governing body would open a formal investigation. UEFA have now revealed they have hit the Football Association of Ireland with a fine of €20,000.
A statement from disciplinary section of UEFA.com reads: "Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the potential inappropriate behaviour by players of the Republic of Ireland Women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on 11 October 2022, and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the Football Association of Ireland, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has taken the following decision: to fine the Football Association of Ireland €20,000 for the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct."
Republic boss Vera Pauw and the Football Association of Ireland had already issued apologies over the incident, which blighted their qualification for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next summer. Amber Barrett's 72nd-minute goal had proved enough to down a gutsy Scotland performance and seal the Republic's qualification.
Following UEFA's fine, the FAI released a statement accepting the disciplinary action. The organisation said: "The FAI notes and accepts the sanction by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body of UEFA following UEFA's independent investigation into a potential breach of UEFA's Disciplinary Regulations.
"The FAI and the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team has apologised to all affected by events after the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying Play-Off against Scotland at Hampden Park in October.
"The FAI has assured UEFA that all players and staff across all of our international teams have been, and will continue to be, reminded of their responsibilities every time they represent their country.
"The FAI will be making on further comment on this matter."
Players Aine O’Gorman, who played in the win over Scotland and Chloe Mustaki who was an unused substitute during the game, also issued apologies. Mustaki said: "We are obviously extremely sorry for the hurt that it has caused. A lapse in judgement in the moment but we are extremely sorry and hopefully, we can move past it."
O'Gorman added: "Yeah, we would like to reiterate that obviously we got... in the moment and we sang a hundred songs last night and the one that went out [on social media] and we would just like to apologise for it and anyone that was offended."
The win over Scotland marked the first time in Ireland's football history that the women's team had qualified for a World Cup. They were subsquently drawn in Group B for next summer's finals with co-hosts Australia, Nigeria and Canada.
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