Marc Canham to leave Chief Football Officer role, FAI confirm

The Association's top football executive is leaving after three years in Abbotstown. 

EXIT STRATEGY: Departing FAI chief football officer Marc Canham. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Chief Football Officer, Marc Canham, is leaving the FAI, the Association have confirmed. 

In a shock announcement, the FAI say Canham will facilitate a handover to his successor before relocating to England. 

“This decision has not been an easy one to come to," Canham says, "but I believe that the time is right to explore new personal and professional opportunities for me and my family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Ireland and working in Irish football and I am proud of the work that we have put in place to support its long-term development.

“I would like to thank the FAI Board, all of my colleagues at the FAI, and everyone involved in Irish football for their support during my time with 

the Association. I wish every person, every organisation and everyone associated with Irish football the very best for the future.” 

FAI CEO, David Courell said: “We are very grateful to Marc for his commitment and contribution to Irish football, and we wish him every success for the future. Marc and his team have shaped a clear vision for the game through the development of the Football Pathways Plan. This is the first time we have had a clear whole game approach which the Association is committed to delivering on and which we firmly believe will set Irish football up for future success.” 

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