FAI have 'ballpark' redundancy target admits chief executive David Courell
FAI CEO David Courell and Ireland's Manager Heimir Hallgrímsson. Pic: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne.
FAI chief executive David Courell says they have a “ballpark” number of redundancies but says Siptu misinterpreted the intention of their skillset shortage claims.
As first revealed by last month, the FAI are embarking on a transformation programme that could see up to a third of their 241-workforce being shed.
An initial phase of voluntary redundancy will close on October 20, followed by redeployment and compulsory redundancies.
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.
The FAI deployed UK-based agency CAA Portas to commission research led to releasing the following statement a fortnight ago: "The findings make it clear that the association does not currently have the required framework and specific skill sets to implement vital strategies, including the FAI Football Pathways Plan, and to meet the evolving needs of Irish football – at all levels of the game."
Those words caused anger across the workforce, especially the union representing various categories, including development officers.
Siptu accused Courell of being a no-show at Thursday’s meeting but he insisted notice of his unavailability was flagged in advance.
“Broadly, we have a ballpark,” he said when asked for numbers of headcount sought to leave.
“There is a reason why we haven’t shared it. These things are adaptable. Voluntary means people we hadn’t envisaged will come forward.
“Yes, there is a broader context for what the association will look like in the future, and that will be revealed once we come through the voluntary redundancy process. This isn’t a one stop shop.
“If employees end up in a role that is impacted and end up not being successful in a redeployment option, of which there will be plenty, they then will still have a redundancy at the end.
“It is not that this is the only bus that will pass by them.
“We are trying to be as respectful of staff as we can be. We only opened on Wednesday formally and already quite a number have come forward.”
He said of the statement: “We stand by it. It was misinterpreted. I saw the commentary from Siptu.
“It was misinterpreted that we were referring to their skills being inadequate.
“That is not what was inferred. There needs to be a recognition that what we were asked to deliver is evolving all the time.
“It is probably 10, 15 years since the FAI had a proper look at how it is set up. We have to evolve and introduce new skills because the landscape is changing.”
When it was put to Courell that the more appropriate language was an “additional” skillset, he agreed.
Employee numbers have risen by 20 percent since the governance crisis of 2019.
Courell was appointed chief operating officer in early 2022, then promoted to chief executive in succession to Jonathan Hill last October.
“Currently, 27 per cent of our annual spend is on head count compared to the European average of 17 per cent,” he said of Uefa benchmarking.
“Yes, there has been an increase in our expenditure on payroll but all of those decisions were taken because they were progressive and correct additions for the association to allow us to move forward.
“When you look at what has been introduced in that time, head of women and girls' football; FAI Connect, a real step forward for the game, but it needs significant resourcing.”
Courell also confirmed the job specification for Marc Canham’s successor changed during the recruitment phase due to the capabilities of candidates.
Just over a year ago, he was promoted from director of football without any public announcement but his replacement will revert to the original title.
John Martin was the surprise successful contender, given his previous position was chief executive of Shamrock Rovers.
Both managers of the senior men’s and women’s team, Heimir Hallgrímsson and Carla Ward, will report to Martin despite the newcomer having zero experience of international football.
“We had originally sought for different criteria to be met but John (Martin) was the individual and character who has come through,” said Courell.
“Broadly, the role remains the same (as CFO) but there are some areas of distinction.
“John really brings a depth of stakeholder management skills that I think is critical to navigating the next 11 years ago on our Football Pathways Plan. Hopefully he stays that long.
“The Director of Football title, in combination with the Technical Director role that we’ve appointed Shane Robison to, really provides a strong solution.”
Canham’s legacy from a contentious three-year stint was a prolonged search for Stephen Kenny’s successor and a summer soccer sea-change that was effectively binned.
The majority of grassroots leagues were against changing from the traditional school format, belatedly forcing the FAI board into a climbdown of an exemption scheme.
Although Courell notes this is only a two-year reprieve, the backlash at the second failed attempt to synchronise all levels with the League of Ireland ought to teach them to tread carefully.
“In terms of calendar, while there’s a slightly different approach to the roll-out, there’s still a commitment from the board that we will move towards an aligned calendar,” he outlined.
“There is an exemption process being introduced for a couple of years but the board are and remain committed to realising the calendar in due course.
“For the Director of Football vacancy, and whether they would subscribe to the calendar or not, of course you would expect us to test their belief in our FPP.
“I’ve always been consistent in saying it wasn’t just one person’s plan. I had confidence because it was borne out of extensive consultation with our community.
“It is our north star. That is what we’ll continue to work towards. Whoever comes in has to be willing to support that.
“Absolutely they have the ability to adapt and influence how the rollout may look and bring their identity to do that.
“But broadly speaking we have a plan that was borne out of the right process and we’re keen to deliver.”
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