The British national inquiry into child sexual abuse has opened the door to examining allegations within football.
A spokeswoman said the probe's role is to look at "institutional failure to protect children from child sexual abuse", adding that its terms of reference "are broad enough to include failures by sports clubs in due course".
A number of former footballers have come forward since Andy Woodward became the first to speak out publicly last week about abuse he suffered at the hands of convicted child abuser Barry Bennell, a former Crewe Alexandra coach.
The spokeswoman for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse said: "The bravery of victims and survivors like Andy Woodward and those other former footballers who have spoken out about the horror of child sexual abuse is remarkable, as is that of every victim and survivor who takes that courageous step.
"It is the job of the police and the court system to determine evidence of criminal wrongdoing.
"Our role is to look at institutional failure to protect children from child sexual abuse and our terms of reference are broad enough to include failures by sports clubs in due course.
"It wouldn't be appropriate for us to say more at this time, on what might be a live police investigation. We will, however, be watching events closely," added the spokeswoman.
The move came as three British police forces confirmed they were investigating allegations of child sexual abuse within the sport.
They include some from the NSPCC, which this week set up a dedicated hotline for football-related cases.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "These have included allegations made against more than one individual."
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Meanwhile, the FAI has issued a statement on the child welfare support that is in place in Ireland.
"In accordance with the FAI Child Welfare Policy, members of the FAI who are advised, suspect or are concerned that a child may be at risk of abuse are obliged to report these concerns to TUSLA (www.tusla.ie) and the relevant designated child officer of their affiliated member body.
"In the event of an emergency where a child is believed to be in immediate danger, the statutory authorities should be alerted as a matter of urgency. This may be done through any garda station.
"Earlier this year, the FAI wrote to each of its affiliates to remind them that organisations had been advised that garda vetting will be a legal requirement from April 29, 2016.
"The FAI Child Welfare Department continues to engage with all stakeholders to ensure they are kept up to date with statutory safeguarding requirements on an ongoing basis and works with An Garda Síochána to process vetting applications comprehensively in an appropriate time frame.
"The FAI remains committed to ensuring that all children can participate in all football activities in a safe and secure environment," added the statement.
