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FAI financial talks bear no fruit, headhunters seek new CEO

The FAI have appointed Odgers Berndtson to headhunt candidates for the role of the association’...
Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

20.23 11 Jun 2020


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FAI financial talks bear no fr...

FAI financial talks bear no fruit, headhunters seek new CEO

Richie McCormack
Richie McCormack

20.23 11 Jun 2020


Share this article


The FAI have appointed Odgers Berndtson to headhunt candidates for the role of the association’s CEO. 

Since John Delaney’s departure in April of last year, the role has been occupied on an interim basis by a number of individuals. 

Gary Owens is the current Interim CEO, with Niall Quinn the Interim Deputy CEO. 

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Meanwhile, talks will continue over the weekend regarding the FAI’s financial package for League of Ireland clubs returning to play. 

The FAI say a productive meeting was held with all nineteen, but others at the meeting were far less generous in their appraisals.

Within the FAI there had been some optimism about the financial package on offer to the clubs, but that was before Thursday's meeting.

The Irish Sun's Neil O'Riordan said, "even the pessimists felt let down at what was proposed".

While the FAI said the meeting was productive, the Irish Independent's football correspondent Dan McDonnell said, "All over the place’ was a more cutting description", from those inside the meeting.

Four SSE Airtricity Premier Division clubs are due to return to the field next month in a mini-tournament.

Players and staff at Bohemians, Derry City, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers have all undergone three rounds of COVID-19 tests, with zero positive results so far.

It's believed the FAI will meet with those clubs on Friday, before further discussing its plans with the remaining fifteen clubs.

Interim CEO Niall Quinn explained the financial tightrope they have to walk to Sky Sports News earlier this month, "We have strong clubs and clubs that are not so strong and to act in the interest of all is the key.

"We've gone ahead of the posse, because all our sports are in trouble over here, it's not just football

"We have tried to find a formula that will at least begin the pathway back for everyone. Some of the clubs are a little worried about that and we get that.

"It wouldn't be right to plunge them into something they can't sustain and we'll need outside help for that."


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FAI Gerry Owens John Delaney League Of Ireland Niall Quinn SSE Airtricity League Of Ireland

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