Niall Quinn has been handed the role of Deputy Interim CEO of the FAI.
The former Republic of Ireland striker and Sunderland chairman will work alongside recently-installed Interim CEO Gary Owens.
Quinn previously ruled himself out the running to be the new FAI CEO, saying the role needed "a restructuring expert, and somebody who can go in and really give government confidence that the administrative side of the business is back in great shape again and that's going to take some time."
NEWS | Niall Quinn appointed as FAI Interim Deputy CEO pic.twitter.com/yMENVfRCTR
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) January 23, 2020
An FAI statement says Quinn's role "will focus on leading a future League of Ireland strategy, the overall development of the game in Ireland, including supporting grassroots and community initiatives together with our player pathway programmes".
Quinn's blueprint for Irish football (Strategic, Commercial, Operational and Governance Review of Football in Ireland) delivered in May of 2019 listed a "visionary group" which included recently appointed Interim CEO Owens, as well as the new Independent Chairperson of the FAI, Roy Barrett.
In Quinn's document, he claimed a properly restructured League of Ireland "could lead to more substantial commercial solidity while reducing the considerable reliance on FIFA
and Government funding."
The FAI say their executive team "want to ensure that the organisation’s core objective of the promotion and development of the game of football in Ireland is prioritised."
Addressing Quinn's appointment, Owens said, "We are really pleased that someone of Niall’s calibre is joining the team.
"Football is such an important game in this country at every level.
"Niall not only brings great insight and experience to developing the game but is passionate about football in Ireland – his energy and commitment is a great fit for the FAI as we begin reform of the organisation and look to create a better future for football in Ireland."
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