The UEFA Football Association of Ireland have been fined 20,000 euros by UEFA for the Republic of Ireland women’s team singing a pro-IRA chant after their World Cup play-off victory against Scotland.
A video emerged on social media of the players singing the chant in the locker room shortly after sealing qualification for their first-ever major tournament on October 11.
UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body imposed the fine (£17,271), described the incident as “a breach of fundamental rules of decent conduct”.
European football’s governing body said days after the incident it would carry out an investigation.
Republic Manager Vera Pauw apologized the next day for any offense caused by the video, saying there was no excuse and the players had been reminded of their responsibilities in this regard.
Squad member Aine O’Gorman said the players wanted to “reiterate” the manager’s apology, while teammate Chloe Mustaki added the players were “extremely sorry for the hurt this has caused”.
Footage showed team members chanting the pro-IRA slogan in the Hampden Park dressing room after their 1-0 win in which Amber Barrett’s goal earned the team a place in next year’s finals in Australia and New Zealand.
