– For 35 years I have kept a secret. This is how Vera Pauw’s post on Twitter opens, where she talks about her own experiences with rape and sexual abuse committed by three different men in the Dutch Football Association. “Only those I can trust have known about the systematic sexual abuse, abuse of power, bullying and humiliation I was subjected to as a player and national team coach in Dutch football,” she continues. APPEARS: Ireland manager Vera Pauw. Photo: LORRAINE O’SULLIVAN / Reuters In the same statement, she accuses the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) of putting a lid on the scandal, and the national team coach therefore announces that she has now gone to the police in her home country and reported the situation. – This already feels like the beginning of the end for me, but I know that I am facing a tough time. I hope that other young football players and coaches who were exposed to something similar, dare to come forward with their stories, writes the 59-year-old. The Dutch Football Association: – We are shocked news has been in contact with the Dutch Football Association (KNVB), and press manager Jaap Paulsen says that last year they ordered an independent investigation from an external company. – This survey shows that KNVB should have done a number of things differently, Paulsen explains in an e-mail. He further writes that the investigation showed that the association was not sufficiently involved in 2011, when Pauw first signaled sexually transgressive behavior, and that they therefore did not react correctly. – We acknowledge the errors that were identified in the report, and this should not have happened to her. It is unacceptable that Vera did not have a safe working environment, the press officer writes. Receiving support Dutch Pauw is a well-known figure in international women’s football, after a long career both as a player and coach. EXPERIENCED: Vera Pauw, then national team coach for South Africa, during the Olympics in Rio. Here she receives a hug after a match. Photo: CARL SANDIN / BILDBYRÅN As an active player, she managed to win 89 matches with the flag on her chest, and for the past 25 years she has been a top-level coach. She is now the national team manager for Ireland’s women’s football. The Irish Football Association (FAI) has published a statement in the wake of Pauw’s Twitter message on Friday night. “FAI is fully aware of the impact these revelations will have on Vera’s life, and we have assured her that she has our full support,” it reads. Sweden’s star goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl is also among the supporters. – Strong by Vera Pauw. I hope this gives you redress. I stand by my feeling that the metoo movement is not over in football yet. It has probably just started, she writes.
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National team coach Vera Pauw reports more abuse in Dutch football – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
