A garda investigation has been launched into widespread allegations that a former senior FAI coach made unwanted sexual advances to a number of female ­players in the 1990s.

The announcement comes after former international female soccer players have said complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour were not properly dealt with by the sport’s governing body.

FAI president Paul Cooked alerted members of its General Assembly yesterday of an upcoming joint reporting by RTÉ Investigates and the Sunday Independent about experiences of women playing the game in Ireland 30 years ago.

In an email, he added that “all safeguarding concerns” that are brought to the FAI’s attention are dealt with as “a matter of priority”.

“You may see the story promoted over the coming days and I wanted to give you the reassurance that the association is treating this matter with the utmost importance and is engaging both with the women involved and the relevant authorities.”

RTÉ released a statement yesterday concerning the upcoming RTÉ Investigates programme.

It read: “The groundbreaking investigation covered in a feature length TV documentary and extensive written articles this Sunday, has in the last number of weeks led to Gardaí opening an investigation into a former senior football coach following allegations from female footballers that he made unwanted sexual advances on players. A separate complaint has also been made about a second senior coach.

Minister for Sport Catherine Martin described the allegations as “shocking” and saluted the bravery of the women who have stepped forward.

“I have been assured that the Football Association of Ireland is engaging and co-operating with the live Garda investigation into these allegations,” she said, “with an athlete-centred approach.

“The safeguarding of children and young adults in sport is absolute and there should be zero tolerance for any actions that endanger their welfare.”