06/04/2017

Dispute Between FAI And Women's National Team Resolved

A dispute between the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the senior women's national football team has been resolved.

The team claimed they had been treated like "fifth class citizens" and were forced to share tracksuits with underage teams.

Siptu confirmed an agreement on the issues had been secured.

The union's Services Division Organiser, Ethel Buckley, said: "This landmark agreement was only possible due to the organisation, bravery and commitment of the national team players. Their courageous action in publicly outlining their concerns provided their union representatives with a solid foundation from which to engage with the FAI and find a just resolution to this dispute.

"The events of the past two days amount to a short, sharp and successful campaign to advance the rights of women in sport. They are also a reminder that in any area of modern Irish society women should never accept being treated as second class citizens."

PFA Ireland Player Executive, Ollie Cahill, said: "The PFA Ireland is pleased that following lengthy negotiations through the night a comprehensive agreement has been reached which addresses all of the issues raised by the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team.

"The PFAI would like to thank SIPTU who stood by us and guided us throughout this dispute. We would also like to thank the public for getting behind our union and supporting these inspirational women and we now look forward to these players taking women’s football in Ireland to the next level."

(CD/LM)

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