Former Limerick, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper Noel Mooney is to be placed on a secondment from UEFA to the FAI until November as the Association deals with a governance crisis.
With former CEO John Delaney on 'gardening leave' from the FAI and unlikely to return, Mooney has been appointed 'General Manager for Football Services and Partnerships'. He will not be a member of the FAI Board.
Cappamore native Mooney moves on a short term basis from UEFA, where he has held the role of Head of National Association Business Development. Rea Walshe, who was the interim FAI CEO, is to return to her previous position of Chief Operating Officer of the Association.
Mooney previously spent six years with the FAI before leaving for European football's governing body in 2012.
His secondment comes as UEFA are reported to be willing to provide the FAI with up to €10 million euro to assist the organisation through its current financial crisis.
Representatives from FIFA met the FAI last week and the key line from Bjorn Vassallo, a director of FIFA Member Associations Europe was:
"Our objective is to safeguard the autonomy of the FAI."
FIFA are very resistant to what they would see as Government interference in national football associations, and any financial support UEFA is now proposing will dwarf the amount withheld by Sport Ireland in the wake of the controversial Oireachtas Committee meeting. Mooney's arrival at Abbotstown is the bridge between the FAI and UEFA.
In an FAI statement, Noel Mooney said:
"Working with all of our stakeholders, I am confident Irish football will emerge stronger and better over the next few months as we listen to the voices of those who want the game to succeed and are determined to deliver the radical reform required for Irish football.
"In my time with UEFA I have led teams across Europe developing football in many countries. Returning home to help the FAI with its challenges is something I will embrace as we deliver change with our highly committed staff and all our leagues, clubs and partners."
FAI President Donal Conway said:
"UEFA’s advice and support will be very important to the FAI as will Noel Mooney’s UEFA experience and knowledge. Noel Mooney will also play a key role in our engagements with all of our stakeholders as we deliver change for Irish football."
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