O’Connell to chair FAI/World Cup review

Maurice O'Connell, the former Governor of the Central Bank, has been appointed to carry out a thorough investigation into the workings of the Football Association of Ireland.

The appointment comes on the advice of the Sports Council. O'Connell is expected to examine the performance and the role of the FAI in all operational matters in the preparation and support of the team at World Cup 2002.

He will also examine how the international team fits into FAI structures.

He will then present his findings to the FAI Board of Management to devise suitable policies to achieve greater success during the forthcoming European Championship and World Cup campaigns.