FAI CEO Jonathan Hill speaks about why Vera Pauw was not given a new contract as Ireland’s women’s manager

Jonathan Hill insists he was aware former manager had garda vetting

FAI director of football Marc Canham, left, and FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill during an FAI media briefing at FAI Headquarters in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

FAI CEO Jonathan Hill has insisted he was aware that former manager Vera Pauw was garda vetted.

Pauw revealed in a recent interview she “fell off her chair” when asked the question by the FAI during the a World Cup review process, which ultimately cost her a renewed contract.

“I’m not sure where that can came from,” said FAI CEO Jonathan Hill. “I was completely aware that she was garda vetted.”

Pauw said in an interview earlier this month: "I said, 'Can we conclude that this article has brought attention into that squad that we did not overcome? At first management said, 'Yes', and then they thought, 'No, no no, no'. I said, 'Because of false accusations'.

"And then it was said, 'False? Do we actually have a garda vetting of you, Vera?' I fell off my chair, because I don't know why he said it. If you get a report about one of your employees in December 2022, the first thing you do is check if you have a garda vetting. That is your job, isn’t it?"

Pauw said being asked whether she was garda vetted made her feel humiliated.

Hill has also strongly refuted claims Pauw experienced any technical interference with her squad and staff before and during the World Cup.

that the FAI reneged on a contract offer before the World Cup,

and that the outcome of the World Cup review which prompted her departure was pre-determined.

Hill did admit that both himself and the FAI did have a professional relationship with the players, but one that in no way compromised the head coach.

And