UEFA has fined the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) €20,000 ($21,000) for what it called “the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct” after several members of its women’s team were caught on camera singing an inappropriate song after a significant World Cup qualification victory over Scotland earlier this year.
The phrase “Ooh ah, up the ‘Ra” is generally recognised as being friendly to the Irish Republican Army (IRA), which was a term used by several paramilitary organisations in Ireland in the 20th and 21st centuries. The song used lyrics from “Celtic Symphony” by Irish folk band The Wolfe Tones.
One such offshoot, the Provisional IRA, waged a protracted terrorist campaign against British control in Northern Ireland on the island of Ireland.
The governing body of European football then released a statement about the incident on Thursday after promising to look into it.
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“Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA ethics and disciplinary Inspector regarding the potential inappropriate behavior by players of the Republic of Ireland women’s team in the aftermath of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers play-off second leg match played against Scotland on October 11th 2022,” it began.
“…and the subsequent disciplinary proceedings opened against the Football Association of Ireland, the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body has taken the following decision: To fine the Football Association of Ireland €20,000 for the violation of the basic rules of decent conduct.”
As soon as the video went viral online, the Irish women’s team and its manager Vera Pauw expressed their regret for the incident. Pauw claimed that the player who recorded the clip and posted it to social media was in great distress as a result of the incident, which took place just minutes after her football career’s pinnacle moment.
The FAI acknowledged the UEFA penalty in a statement of its own and promised to ensure that moving forward, its players are aware of their obligations.
“The FAI and the Republic of Ireland women’s national team has apologized to all affected by events after the 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup qualifying play-off against Scotland in Hampden Park in October,” they said.
“The FAI has assured UEFA that all players and staff across all of our international teams have been, and will continue to be, reminded of their responsibilities every time they represent their country. The FAI will be making no further comment on this matter.”
