Delaney to continue as FAI chief after accepting new deal

John Delaney, the Football Association of Ireland’s chief executive, will remain in his position after accepting a new five-year contract.

Members of the FAI’s Board of Management unanimously agreed that Delaney, who became chief executive in 2004, should have his contract renewed.

FAI President David Blood said Delaney had overseen wide-ranging changes in the Association during his five years in the position.

“John has presided over the development and growth of all strands of the game,” he said.

“He has been instrumental in modernising the Association and has a track record of achievement including the the trebling of the Association’s commercial portfolio, the merger with the Airtricity League and the development of the new Aviva Stadium in partnership with the IRFU.”

Delaney does however have his detractors, namely in the form of current Ipswich manager and former Republic of Ireland international, Roy Keane.

“I had my dealings with John Delaney and if he is the senior figure in the FAI then, I’ve said before, I don’t think that is good. Not the way he comes across,” said Keane.

Delaney also headed Ireland’s appeal to FIFA in the aftermath of the Thierry Henry’s handball incident during the World Cup play-off last November.