Robert Watt has been confirmed as the fourth and final independent director of the FAI.
He joins Independent Chairperson Roy Barrett, Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce on the association’s board.
Watt is Secretary-General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
His appointment comes almost seven months after those of his fellow independent directors.
The appointment was ratified at a virtual meeting of the FAI Board, following recommendations received from the Nominations Committee.
The appointment of an Independent Chairperson and three Independent Directors is a cornerstone of the Governance Review Group report published in June 2019.
Watt is a hugely experienced civil servant, having led his department for the last nine years.
He also played a key role in the Troika negotiations and Brexit preparations.
However, last year he was forced to deny calling an Oireachtas Committee a 'mob'.
Watt said of his appointment to the FAI Board, "I am honoured and delighted to take up this role and I look forward to assisting with the reform of the Association and the development of Irish football in conjunction with my fellow directors and all stakeholders.
FAI President Gerry McAnaney added, “I congratulate Robert on this appointment and I look forward to working closely with him on the fully constituted Board as we work together to restore stakeholder confidence in Irish football.
"I would like to thank the Nominations Committee, Amrop and Sport Ireland for their work in getting the Association to this point."
The Amrop referred to by McAnaney are the recruitment consultants employed by the FAI to fill the independent positions.
Independent chair Barrett said, "Robert brings a wealth of financial and governance experience to the Board and will play a vital role as we deliver real change for football in Ireland.”
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