Republic of Eire: Heimir Hallgrimsson not eager to be drawn on Eileen Gleeson subject

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson said “it is not for me to decide” when it comes to gender pay equality.

On Sunday, it emerged that former women’s head coach Eileen Gleeson is taking a discrimination case against the Football Association of Ireland, alleging mistreatment towards her and her backroom team on the basis of gender.

Gleeson, who took over from Vera Pauw in August 2023, was not offered a contract extension after missing out on qualification to Euro 2025.

The former manager also alleges the senior women’s team was not afforded the same travel, security, medical and performance support as the men’s team.

When asked for his views on the wider issue of gender equality between the men’s and women’s teams, Hallgrimsson feels it “depends on the job”.

“That’s not for me to decide,” he said at a press conference ahead of Saturday’s opening World Cup qualifier against Hungary.

“I can only talk from my point of view. I was offered a job and it was my decision if I took it or refused it. A lot of coaches will do the same things as I am doing and have a lot more money for that.

“There’s also a lot of coaches doing the same thing as I am getting a lot less of a salary than me.

“I can accept a job offer or refuse it as my right and that has nothing to do with gender in my opinion.”

Hallgrimsson does not believe it is part of his own pay grade to get involved in such a debate, but pointed out that differences in wages is not just confined between men and women.

“It’s the same as players,” he said.

“The highest paid players in the world don’t play more game or do more training, but are valued higher. The valuation in this game is for someone else to decide.”