Former FAI chief football officer Marc Canham takes up Saudi Arabia role

Canham left the FAI in April 2025

Marc Canham has joined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation as its head of football development. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Former FAI chief football officer Marc Canham has joined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation as its head of football development. 

The Englishman left the FAI in April 2025 after nearly three years. Upon moving from a role as the Premier League's director of coaching, he had initially been appointed the FAI's director of football but his title changed to chief football officer in September 2024.

Canham was central to the saga which eventually ended with Heimir Hallgrímsson succeeding Stephen Kenny as Ireland men's manager. He will also be remembered for the Football Pathways Plan which aimed to align the sport's calendar at all levels. It was met with strong opposition at grassroots level and was abandoned by the FAI last month. 

Canham spent the last year working in various freelance roles. He joins the Saudi association as it prepares to host the World Cup in 2034.

"I’m delighted to share that I’ve joined the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF)," Canham wrote on LinkedIn.

"After an enjoyable year working independently across a number of different football projects, I’m excited to be starting a new chapter and taking on a significant new challenge in Saudi Arabia.

"It’s an exciting time to be joining Saudi football, with huge ambition for the continued growth and development of the game across the Kingdom.

"I’ll be responsible for the strategic development of grassroots football, coach education and development, professional club academies and player development pathways, across both the men’s and women’s game.

"I’m looking forward to working with colleagues across SAFF, clubs and the wider football eco-system and playing my part in the continued development of football in Saudi Arabia.

"After spending much of my career working in the UK and Ireland, I’m also looking forward to embracing a completely new professional and personal experience.

"A new opportunity and one I’m very excited about."