The FAI has aired its support for Vera Pauw after the Republic of Ireland manager was named amongst several managers and coaches in a report by the US National Women's Soccer League that discovered widespread, ongoing misconduct in the National Women's Soccer League.

The investigation unit received reports of ongoing misconduct at "more than half" of the NWSL clubs during the 14-month inquiry.

The report claimed Pauw - who was in charge at Houston Dash in 2018 - attempted to "exert excessive control" over her players' "eating habits" and that it was not in "best practice".

Players interviewed in the report claimed Pauw had negatively "affected a team-mate struggling with an eating disorder" and had criticised the appearance of players. Pauw has denied any wrongdoing.

A short statement issued by the FAI on Thursday night read: "The Football Association of Ireland is aware of an NWSL/NWSLPA joint report into historical events within its own League in which Republic of Ireland women's national team manager Vera Pauw has been referenced.

"Neither the FAI or Vera had sight of this report before it was published and we note that Vera has already expressed her views to the authors of the report.

"The FAI continues to support Vera and her team as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023."

According to the report, the Ireland boss did attend an interview by an investigation team and provided a written denial of the allegations.

In the letter, Pauw stated that she had never remarked on the appearance of a player or kept track of players' weight.

Pauw admitted one player had come to her in relation to another player with the eating disorder, but the Ireland boss denied she had a role in any player’s condition.

The report also makes a number of allegations against the outgoing Houston Dash boss James Clarkson.

"We apologise to players, present and former," Houston Dash said in a statement.

"The Houston Dash commend the courage of the players and staff who participated in the joint investigation and the important work of the NWSL and NWSLPA joint investigative team over the last 14 months.

"Our vision of building and maintaining a culture of excellence on and off the pitch starts with cultivating a respectful and healthy working environment. Our priority is to ensure that our personnel and policies reflect that directive.

"In partnership with the NWSL, the NWSLPA, the NWSL board of governors, and club executives, we will continue to implement proper protocols and preventative steps that are consistent with the guidance of the league and that will prioritise the safety of all members of our organisation to address the systemic reform our sport requires. Together with Dash players, staff, fans and partners, we will work jointly towards a brighter future."

Suspended from his role as Dash head coach and general manager since April, Clarkson will not have his contract renewed at the end of this month following the publication of the report.

Pauw took charge of the Republic of Ireland in September 2019 and in October led them to a first-ever major tournament with a World Cup play-off victory over Scotland in Hampden Park.