Following allegations of weight-shaming, Vera Pauw has been sanctioned by the American National Women’s Soccer League; any future employment with them is now based on her meeting several conditions including acknowledging the alleged misconduct and undergoing training.
Pauw is head coach for Ireland’s women, and oversaw the WNT’s recent qualification for next year’s World Cup—their first ever major tournament. She has vigorously denied all accusations misconduct:
“To suggest I would body shame any human being, footballer or not, is an insult to my personal values and to my behavior as coach and I cannot allow this claim to go unchallenged. I will continue to defend myself against all these claims. I have spent my entire career fighting for my players and now I must fight for myself.”
“I am extremely frustrated that I have been targeted in such a disappointing manner. I cannot allow myself to be attached to such false allegations.”
The FAI has expressed its support of Pauw.
Pauw is one of eight coaches given conditions for their future employment, while four others facing more serious accusations have been given lifetime bans.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman defended the sanctions in a statement:
“The league will continue to prioritise implementing and enhancing the policies, programs and systems that put the health and safety of our players first. Those actions are fundamental to the future of our league, especially as we build a league that strengthens our players’ ability to succeed and prosper on and off the pitch.”
“As part of our commitment to accountability and deterrence, the league has determined that further corrective action with respect to certain organisations and individuals identified in the joint investigative report is appropriate and necessary.”