The FAI have been fined €20,000 by UEFA following the singing of a song associated with supporting the IRA in the dressing room after qualifying for the 2o23 FIFA World Cup in Hampden Park in October.
The video was circulated online after their World Cup play-off win against Scotland which subsequently lead to Ireland manager Vera Pauw, the FAI and Irish player Chloe Mustaki issuing apologies over the incident in the days after.
Today, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body stated the FAI would be fined for "the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct".
The statement read: "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."
The FAI have responded to the punishment with their own statement saying: "The Football Association of Ireland 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 in 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 no further comment on this matter."
Speaking to Her Sport on their homecoming from their historic win and qualifying for their first ever World Cup, both Pauw and Mustaki made no excuse for the incident and were sincerely apologetic and remorseful.
Pauw stated "Those players inspire so many people and in light of that it is hurting us so much with what happened and what went out on social media because it's not us, it's not the way that we deal and the first thing we have above everything is respect for each other."
"It's something so deep in the culture and background of Ireland and we've hurt people and even if it's not intended, it's wrong and it shouldn't have happened, and I hope it's a huge learning curve and that it maybe goes beyond this team because it doesn't matter that it went on social media, it's wrong in itself even if it's for people in a little room"
"We're sincerely and deeply sorry for what happened."
