Irish Football Association president quits

Beleaguered Irish Football Association president Raymond Kennedy has quit, it was revealed today.

He was forced out of office after it emerged the sacking of former chief executive Howard Wells cost the association more than £500,000 (€599,568).

A statement said: “The IFA wishes to announce that IFA president Raymond Kennedy yesterday informed the association that he will step aside as president and as a director of the IFA at the next council meeting of the IFA which is due to be held in September 2010.”

Mr Kennedy's vice President David Martin also said he had resigned yesterday.

An independent report was critical of their roles in the sacking of former chief executive Mr Wells.

Newspaper reports said on Monday that the 11-member IFA body had voted to remove Mr Kennedy and his vice-president two weeks after they were re-elected.

Both men attended Saturday’s meeting of the IFA ruling body.

An unfair dismissal case by Mr Wells cost the IFA more than £500,000 (€599,568), which included a payout to the former chief executive and legal costs.

The IFA said today: “Whilst noting Mr Kennedy’s decision, the association will continue to avail of Mr Kennedy’s significant experience and influence in football.”

He will continue in his roles as a member of the FIFA disciplinary committee and the UEFA Fair Play and Social Responsibility committee. Mr Kennedy will also be a member of the IFA’s delegation to the 125th annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, which will be held in Wales in March 2011. He will also advise on the proposed stadium project.

The IFA acknowledged both men’s years of service to local football but accepted the recent controversy had made an impact.

“The association is aware that recent events have indicated weaknesses in its structure and governance, and confirms its commitment to address these matters in the near future,” the statement said.