UEFA, the European Football Union, has launched an investigation after players of the Irish national team sang a pro-IRA chant following their qualification for the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
After Ireland’s 1-0 win over Scotland on Tuesday, videos circulated on social media of the players singing a chant with lyrics supporting the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
“In accordance with Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will investigate potential inappropriate behavior by players of the Ireland women’s team,” UEFA said in a statement.
On Wednesday, the Irish Football Association and coach Vera Pauw apologised. “We will raise the subject with the players to remind them of their responsibilities. I spoke to the players this morning and we are collectively sorry for the pain we may have caused. There are no excuses for this,” Pauw said.
The IRA, oppose to British authority over the province of Northern Ireland, carried out violent actions for several decades, which ended in 1998 with the so-called “Good Friday” peace agreement.
