Vera Pauw's future with the Republic of Ireland Women’s team’s will be decided tonight as the FAI Board will meet to discuss whether or not to extend Pauw's contract.
The FAI initiated an internal review of the team's operations during the World Cup, delving into various aspects, including interviews with current players and FAI staff. This review, conducted by Mark Canham, the FAI's Director of Football, played a significant role in the ongoing evaluation of Pauw's role.
Despite Pauw's expressed desire to continue leading the team, recent events have cast a shadow over her position. Notably, key staff members who could have been considered her allies, Jan Willem van Ende (goalkeeping coach) and Kim Van Wijk (physio), recently announced their departure from their roles.
The FAI’s 11-person board will be presented with a review of the World Cup campaign, after which they will decide whether to renew Pauw’s deal.https://t.co/Es04KrRh3F
— The42.ie (@The42_ie) August 28, 2023
While Pauw's managerial future remains uncertain, the team's popularity has surged to remarkable heights in recent years, capturing the attention of an increasingly diverse audience in the lead-up to the World Cup.
Marking the team's return to action post-World Cup, a clash is scheduled against Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on September 23rd. Whether Pauw retains her managerial position will largely be influenced by the findings of the internal review and subsequent discussions by the FAI board.
In the event that Pauw does not secure an extension, Tom Elmes, her assistant, is anticipated to take on the role of interim manager while the search for a long-term replacement unfolds.
