FAI risks Ross wrath and government funding with Cooke’s CEO appointment

The Football Association of Ireland are prepared to defy Sports Minister Shane Ross by appointing a new chief executive without his imprimatur. Within 24 hours of John Foley withdrawing his candidature for the role on an interim basis due to a lukewarm response by Ross, the FAI installed Paul Cooke to the vacancy.

Cooke’s official title is “executive lead” but in reality he’s operating the function of a CEO, albeit on an unpaid basis. Ross was not consulted before the announcement.