The manager of the Ireland Women's Senior Team, Vera Pauw, has revealed she was raped and sexually assaulted in the past.
In a statement, she claims she was raped by a "prominent football official" as a young player.
She also says she was subsequently sexually assaulted by two other men, who were also employed in Dutch football.
On Twitter she says: "Even those closest to me have not known of the rape I endured at the hands of a prominent football official when I was a young player.
"Later two sexual assaults by two other men were added to this record.
"All three men were employed within Dutch football at the time of these incidents", she says.
This has been the toughest thing in my life but, finally, I'm ready to move on and be proud of who I am
Vera 💚 pic.twitter.com/27v25nFViP— Vera Pauw (@verapauw) July 1, 2022
She adds: "Only those I can trust have known until now of the systematic sexual abuse, abuse of power, bullying, intimidation, isolation and framing I was exposed to as a player and as a national coach in Dutch football".
She says she recently reported her rape to Dutch police, after trying to have her case heard by football authorities in the Netherlands "but to no avail".
"That already feels like the beginning of the end for me but I know there will be more heartache to come," she writes.
"Stories may appear in the Dutch media of my horrific ordeal and I know claims may be made against me in an effort to tarnish my story.
"I take full responsibility for what I did and what I failed to do."
She also thanks the FAI, players and fans "for the support they have shown me as manager of the Ireland team".
In a statement, the FAI says Ms Pauw has their full backing.
"Vera has engaged on this matter with the association's senior leaders for some time now and the FAI has offered her all the backing she may need on a personal and professional level.
"The FAI is absolutely aware of the impact these revelations will have on Vera's well-being and have assured her of the ongoing full support of the FAI board and all her colleagues at the association," it adds.
Ms Pauw was appointed as the Republic of Ireland Women's National Team manager in September 2019.
A former Netherlands international, she played over 85 times for her country.
She moved into coaching 1998 and has been in charge of five different national teams - as well as advising another.
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre on 1-800-77-8888. In an emergency, call 999
