Vera Pauw will lead the Republic of Ireland Women’s team for at least the remainder of the 2021 UEFA Women’s European Championships, the Finals of which will now take place in 2022.
Pauw took charge of the team in 2019 and was contracted until the end of the current qualifying campaign. This will now be extended should the team secure a place at the finals having made a strong start in qualifying.
The team is unbeaten after five games and currently sit top of Group I with three games left to play – away to Germany on September 19, away to Ukraine on October 23, and home to Germany on December 1.
“It is fantastic to have the support of the FAI as we look to secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s European Championships,” said Pauw.
“We know that there is a lot of hard work ahead of us with three big games still to play, but it is a challenge for which we do everything in our power to succeed in.”
“The assistance of Ruud Dokter, Eileen Gleeson and Jan Willem van Ede has been invaluable since taking over as manager, so too has been the work of our backroom staff and the response from the players. If we can continue to work together then I’m sure that we will perform to our max at the moment.”
“We are delighted to have been able to finalise terms with Vera and get everything agreed so quickly, which showcases Vera’s desire to continue with the team,” added FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter
“Vera has made a significant impact since being appointed as Women’s Senior Team Manager and that is reflected not only in the results of the team, but their performances, the professional structures she has introduced, and the work she has put in to plan for a brighter future.
“This is an exciting period for Irish football and the Women’s Senior Team are in a very good position in terms of qualification for the next European Championships. We will provide Vera the players with all of the support that they require to push towards qualification for a first-ever major international tournament.”
