The Chief Executive of the FAI John Delaney has broken down while speaking about the cyber-bullying of his partner by Irish soccer fans.
Emma English, who has been targeted by online trolls, has confirmed that she is seeking legal advice on the matter.
Mr Delaney says it is very difficult for a man to protect a woman, especially when the bullies are anonymous.
He said: "It is very hard as a man to protect a woman from cyberbullying.
"If somebody is confronting you face-to-face, somebody you can actually talk to, ring a guy to say 'What are you on about?'
"This is all hidden by pseudonyms in a cowardly way, and it is very upsetting, because you want to protect the ones you love."
The FAI CEO then broke down as he was saying: "And I love her very deeply, I've seen how distressed she has been over the last number of days."