#FAI

Sign in

#FAI

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>BIG LOSS: Republic of Ireland head coach Colin O'Brien at Dublin Airport on their arrival home from the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile</p>

soccer

Colin O’Brien to leave role as Ireland Under-17 head coach as FAI continue staff cuts

The development comes just a matter of weeks after O’Brien guided Ireland to the last-16 of the U17 World Cup.

<p>EURO VISION: Conrad Kirkwood, IFA President; Mike Mulraney, SFA President; Debbie Hewitt, UK&I Board Chair; Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA President; Paul Cooke, FAI President and Noel Mooney, FAW Chief Executive during the UEFA EURO 2028 launch at Below The Lights, Piccadilly Circus, London. Pic: James Manning/PA Wire.</p>

soccer

Portugal preview: There's always the Euros on the horizon as realities of November winter bite

<p>Flags displaying the 'UEFA' and 'UEFA Respect' logos. File picture: Alex Caparros/Getty</p>

soccer

FAI passes motion to seek immediate suspension of Israel by Uefa

A view of Training 23/10/2025

soccer

FAI staff instructed to reapply for jobs as cuts bite

Shamrock Rovers Media Conference and Training Session

soccer

'It’s quite positive on Victor': Colin O'Brien confident of wonderkid's World Cup availability

Carla Ward 20/10/2025

soccer

Carla Ward: Equal pay for Ireland women’s manager should be considered

Republic of Ireland v Armenia - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

FAI reports reduced surplus for 2024 - but still owe €42m

In accounts up to last December, which were finally circulated to delegates ahead of the annual general meeting on November 8, a slight reduction in turnover of €61.6m is reported

Fri, 17 Oct, 2025

World Cup qualifier podcast special: all on the line against Armenia

World Cup qualifier podcast special: all on the line against Armenia

Brendan O'Brien and John Fallon reflect on the narrow defeat in Lisbon and look ahead to the visit of Armenia on Tuesday evening.

Listen | Mon, 13 Oct, 2025

Heimir Hallgrímsson 10/10/2025

S Dion Fanning: Hallgrimsson might be in his final days as Ireland manager, but is there a world where this doesn’t matter?

From ‘Team 33’ to taxpayer seed capital, Irish football’s fortunes have long mirrored the nation’s boom-and-bust cycles

Sat, 11 Oct, 2025

Republic of Ireland Training Session and Media Conference

FAI perform U-turn on term limits after Sport Ireland backlash

Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, governance changes must be approved by the State’s agency.

Wed, 08 Oct, 2025

Shane Long celebrates scoring their first goal 8/10/2015

S John Fallon: Government funding allows Ireland to dream of regular finals qualification

It will take years for that status to materialise but at long last, the Government are devoting funds to producing home-grown talent.

Wed, 08 Oct, 2025

Sport Ireland Core Grant Investment 2025 Announcement

Minister warns FAI funding could be 'crushed' if it refuses to engage with Oireachtas committee

Minister of state Charlie McConalogue said the allocation of €3m in the Budget for League of Ireland academies is a "big vote of confidence" by the government in the future of Irish football.

Tue, 07 Oct, 2025

Armenia v Republic of Ireland - FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Evan Ferguson expected to be fit for Portugal clash

Doubts surfaced about Ferguson's availability when AS Roma reported an ankle injury kept him out of Sunday’s win over Fiorentina.

Mon, 06 Oct, 2025

Conor Malley and Matt Healy 1/10/2025

S John Fallon: A look ahead to the busiest month of the Irish football calendar

On top of the routine run-ins and finals, there’s the increasingly regular annual league phase involvement in the Conference League.

Thu, 02 Oct, 2025

Team of Israel seen during The European World Cup Qualifiers

FAI to vote on suspending Israel from Uefa competitions

The proposal stems from Bohemians getting the required 10% of signatories to seek an EGM, with the single-item agenda of “empowering the FAI to compel Uefa to suspend the Israeli Football Association for a clear breach of Uefa statutes.”

Wed, 01 Oct, 2025

David Courell parks the bus as Oireachtas committee shine spotlight on FAI

David Courell parks the bus as Oireachtas committee shine spotlight on FAI

Adopting a position of saying nothing invited flak and the artillery was flying.

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

Kevin Flatley death

Oireachtas chairman Alan Kelly questions future state funding to FAI

League of Ireland clubs are awaiting word in the October 7 Budget of vital grants for academy investment

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

Oireachtas committee slams FAI over handling of historical abuse complaints

Oireachtas committee slams FAI over handling of historical abuse complaints

FAI executives face sharp criticism from TDs and senators after revelations they failed to share key abuse concerns in 2023

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025

FAI headquarters

FAI will, after all, appear before Oireachtas sports committee

Minister for Sports Patrick O’Donovan led the government outcry on Tuesday, emphasising that non-attendance by a body in receipt of significant taxpayers’ funds was not an option.

Tue, 23 Sep, 2025

David Courell speaks to the media after the meeting 14/9/2024

FAI pull out of Oireachtas sitting with five days' notice

It’s the second time the embattled organisation has deferred the invitation, triggering anger among politicians.

Fri, 19 Sep, 2025

ans display a "Show Israel the red card" banner 6/9/2025

FAI to state 'clear position' on Israel's Gaza atrocities

The Players Football Association of Ireland (PFAI) and The Irish Supporters Partnership (IFSP), have called on the FAI to act.

Sun, 14 Sep, 2025

Cork City v Wexford - SSE Airtricity Men's First Division

FAI CEO not taking Roy Keane comments personally

David Courell said he does not believe Keane's criticism of the FAI is an indictment of his leadership.

Sat, 13 Sep, 2025

David Courell and Heimir Hallgrímsson ahead of the match 6/9/2025

FAI have 'ballpark' redundancy target admits chief executive David Courell

Defeat by Ireland to Armenia in Tuesday’s second qualifier vastly reduces the prospects of reaching next year’s World Cup, thereby increasing financial pressure on an organisation scrambling to service its debt pile of €40m.

Fri, 12 Sep, 2025

Watch: World Cup qualifier special as Ireland prepare for Hungary

Watch: World Cup qualifier special as Ireland prepare for Hungary

Brendan O’Brien and John Fallon sit down to tee up the Republic of Ireland’s World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, starting with the visit of Hungary to Dublin on Saturday.

Tue, 02 Sep, 2025

FAI headquarters

FAI seek voluntary job cuts with compulsory to follow

Legacy debt of €40m continues to impair the FAI's financial autonomy.

Wed, 27 Aug, 2025

Queens Park Rangers v Brentford - Pre Season Friendly - MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium

10 Irish plotlines to track this Premier League season

Ahead of the big kick-off, John Fallon identifies the stories Irish fans will follow this seaon.

Sat, 16 Aug, 2025

Cardiff City v Athlone Town - UEFA Women's Champions League First Qualifying Round Semi-Final

Eileen Gleeson returning to FAI in newly created position

The former Ireland women’s manager has been idle since December when she and assistant Colin Healy were released following the Euro playoff defeat to Wales.

Fri, 08 Aug, 2025

Drogheda United v Wexford - Sports Direct Men's FAI Cup Semi-Final

Summer soccer sceptics to be offered opt-out avenue by FAI

The vast majority of grassroots leagues prefer to stick with the traditional September to May format.

Fri, 01 Aug, 2025

FAI headquarters

Fear for FAI staff as 'Business Transformational Plan' looms

It is also understood the Cork-based Education Training Board (ETB) course for budding footballers is being discontinued.

Wed, 30 Jul, 2025

St Patrick's Athletic v Bohemians - SSE Airtricity League Premier Division

Irish referee Rob Hennessy to officiate U19 Euros final between Spain and the Netherlands

Hennessy will be accompanied by fellow Irish assistant referee Christopher Campbell.

Wed, 25 Jun, 2025

Bosun Lawal 26/3/2023

Stoke's Bosun Lawal called up to Ireland squad for Luxembourg friendly

The 22-year-old who previously earned 12 caps with Jim Crawford’s Ireland U21 team, plays primarily as a holding midfielder but can operate as a centre back

Sun, 08 Jun, 2025

John Caulfield celebrates 23/5/2025

S John Fallon: Will LOI third tier add value or drain scarce resources?

Decisions loom on where FAI choose to trim and Senegal will pack firepower despite Mané's withdrawal.

Wed, 28 May, 2025

Kerry v Wexford - SSE Airtricity Men's First Division

'You need to show a small bit of respect' - Colin Healy has his say on FAI exit and 'worst year of his life'

Despite being let go, along with Eileen Gleeson, the recently-installed Kerry FC manager does not rule out a return to the association.

Fri, 23 May, 2025

Dublin wins UEFA EURO 2020 bid - Aviva Stadium General Views

Ireland's path to automatic slot at Euro 2028 outlined by Uefa

Dublin’s Aviva Stadium is set to host four group games and two knockout games, including a quarter-final as it stands, but will likely absorb one of the matches scheduled for Casement Park before the unfinished Belfast GAA venue was eliminated by Uefa.

Wed, 21 May, 2025

Carla Ward 20/5/2025

S John Fallon: Exodus proves FAI must match right candidates for top jobs

New gaffer bounce essential for Cork City and Robbie Keane close to glory in Hungary.

Wed, 21 May, 2025

Republic of Ireland Women Squad Announcement

Carla Ward: I turned down Women's Super League club job to remain with Ireland

Vacancies have arisen in the English game as the season concludes but the Ireland custodian is adamant no alternative – even an unlikely offer from six-in-a-row champions Chelsea – can entice her home.

Wed, 21 May, 2025

FAI appoint Shane Robinson as Interim Technical Director

FAI appoint Shane Robinson as Interim Technical Director

Robinson will begin the interim role with immediate effect as Marc Canham completes a handover following on from his recent announcement of darting his role as Chief Football Officer.

Mon, 19 May, 2025

Hannah Dingley 11/3/2025

Hannah Dingley to leave FAI with Eileen Gleeson potentially set to return

The association was rocked by the resignation of Canham merely three years into his tenure. Dingley has lasted only a year.

Wed, 14 May, 2025

Republic of Ireland v Montenegro - UEFA Under 21 Championship Qualifier

FAI report racist comments directed at Ireland U15 players during match with UAE

"The FAI does not tolerate any form of racism towards our players or staff, be it on a football pitch, at a stadium or online."

Fri, 02 May, 2025

Olympique Lyonnais v Arsenal WFC - UEFA Women's Champions League Semi Final Second Leg

S John Fallon: Notable achievements will mean nothing to Katie McCabe without silverware

Katie McCabe's Arsenal will face Barcelona in the Champions League final on May 24 in Lisbon.

Wed, 30 Apr, 2025

David Courell speaks to the media after the meeting 14/9/2024

'It's not the impossible job' - FAI confident of attracting right candidate to succeed Marc Canham

Candidates such as Leicester City assistant manager Brian Barry-Murphy have been linked with the vacancy.

Wed, 23 Apr, 2025

FAI's Football Pathways Plan - Media Briefing

S John Fallon: Irish football will survive after Marc Canham’s FAI stopover

Pauw headhunts FAI’s Holt to join UAE project and Jacks in mix for Arsenal and Manchester United breakthroughs.

Wed, 23 Apr, 2025

FAI's Football Pathways Plan - Media Briefing

The rise and fall of Marc Canham during his tenure at the FAI

While many in Irish football predicted his departure, the timing has still come as a surprise.

Tue, 22 Apr, 2025

John Fallon: Trade war looming as factions unify to oppose summer soccer

S John Fallon: Trade war looming as factions unify to oppose summer soccer

Coad the chosen one for amateur vacancy and scorned Kerry steadfast in seeking points back.

Wed, 09 Apr, 2025

Scotland v Republic of Ireland - UEFA U17 European Championships Round 1 Qualifier

History for Ireland U17s as they qualify for World Cup

Qatar will host the expanded 48-nation tournament between November 5-27. Ireland’s last appearance at an underage men's World Cup was in 2003.

Tue, 25 Mar, 2025

Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria - UEFA Nations League B/C Play-off 2nd Leg

Marc Canham calm amid the backlash, still hoping government delivers for football

Unless government funding materialises to subsidise facilities and staff for a football academy system, FAI director of football Marc Canham is in the firing line.

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Republic of Ireland Media Conference with new Women's Head Coach Carla Ward

Colin Healy situation 'deeply regrettable' but Marc Canham stands over decision

“From a personal and association perspective, it’s deeply regrettable,” said Canham on Monday.

Mon, 24 Mar, 2025

Republic of Ireland Media Conference and Training Session

S Dion Fanning: Irish football’s tortured soul has never been further from salvation

Irish football exists in a perpetual crisis of confidence. The League of Ireland offers some hope that there is a new energy but there is a long way to go.

Thu, 20 Mar, 2025

Rocco Vata and Heimir Hallgrímsson 19/3/2025

'We want to stay in League B': Ireland boss Hallgrímsson discounts relegation logic

Hallgrímsson believes it's "really important to stay in League B and play higher ranked opponents."

Wed, 19 Mar, 2025

Sejde Abrahamsson with Denise O'Sullivan 21/2/2025

Denise O’Sullivan: FAI didn’t seriously consider players' views with Eileen Gleeson and Colin Healy decisions

It is widely accepted that the FAI leaned heavily on player feedback when discarding Vera Pauw 18 months ago but that wasn’t the case for her successor’s axing.

Mon, 24 Feb, 2025