THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland says it plans to proceed with restructuring and “required constitutional reform” as it continues to recover from years of neglect, leading to its present financially perilous situation.
The Irish government were required to financially support the embattled association following revelations regarding the debt it has accrued.
A new set-up has seen an increase in the number of independent directors from four to six, with Gary Owens and Niall Quinn appointed as interim CEO and interim deputy CEO respectively.
Criticism remains of how the association is being run and the various stipulations that have been put in place since the widespread changes were initiated, with news emerging this week that Nixon Morton — an FAI Council member — has written to both Uefa and Fifa to express concerns over perceived issues with the status quo.
After the board met last night, the FAI this afternoon released a statement reaffirming its commitment to change and evolution of the set-up amid a precarious time for Irish soccer that has seen several domestic clubs struggle to cope with the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The statement read: “The Board of the Football Association of Ireland unanimously agreed at a meeting on Tuesday night to proceed with its plans to develop a strategy incorporating a planned restructuring of the Association, supported by the required constitutional reform for the benefit of everyone involved in football in Ireland.
“The Board is further committed to regaining the trust of the public and the key stakeholders who are supporting the Association to help them achieve that plan. The Board are further committed to implementing the highest standards of corporate governance and will ensure that all those involved in the game of football will be represented democratically in any future structure.
“The Board of the FAI is available to engage in dialogue with any stakeholder with constructive input during this process, in the interest of developing and promoting the game in Ireland.
“The Board will continue to work on charting a safe return to football and completing the process for the appointment of a CEO.”
I voted yes. He is the “in-form” Irish striker in the Premiership this season. Fair enough, Best has scored a few goals but his all round play isn’t as good as Walters. The Stoke man offers pace, strength, work rate and can bang in a goal or two.
Would it be mental to put McCarthy or Fahey in behind Keane?
Yip, it would. We need a physical presence up front. Jon Walters is the man.
What about Skokes? Maybe manager should be looking at what’s best for team and putting personal differences behind him…
yes i agree stokes is the manor best
Stokes?? Are you for real??
I feel it would be foolish to play an extra man in midfield because the team is used to playing together in a 442. Probably not a good idea to go messing about with players and tactics. If keane was up front on his own he would forget to stay on the central defenders toes and be running all over the place. We need the physical presence of Walters in the frontline battle.
Walters deserves a shot. He was impressive during his cameo versus Armenia. Dont forget the cat is no in the bag!
No, he should stick to the journalism !!
:)
I would be very happy if Walters starts. He is a prescene but much more than a “big man” up front. Has a good first touch and a decent range of passing. We have a surprisingly decent range of options up front at the moment with Keane, Doyle, Long, Walters, Cox and Best. If Conor Sammon starts to get a bit more playing time at Wigan he could sharpen up too
Eh Ch’yeah!
yes walters should start up front with robbie keane,we have to stay with a 4 4 2 formation and go for it
Personally I would choose Walters up front with Best. Keane is rusty and his best days are behind him! Either way a One nil to us will set us up nicely.
Scored a great goal for Galaxy last week? I think Doyle being sent off v Armenia showed us the potential of Walters up front on his own..
James McCarthy – good player, should be starting every game
Perry groves !!!