Interim CEO of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Garry Owens has ruled out the possibility of becoming the permanent CEO.
In a statement made on the FAI's website, Owens announced that he will not be part of the race to fill the role on a full time basis. He had already spoken with Chairperson Roy Barrett about the decision on Wednesday.
“My objective in taking the interim role of Chief Executive was to help put the Association into a stable financial position with a new structure that would allow the Association to move forward with confidence," Owens said in the statement.
“Over the last six months, we have delivered a financial package to ensure the solvency of the Association, have put a new Senior Leadership and a new International Management team in place and I am confident that this new team will bring the Association to a new level for the benefit of all.
“This team will have the support of our members who provided overwhelming support for the constitutional and governance changes required for sustainable reform at our EGM last Monday."
Owens continued to state that he is proud of how he managed the role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am also very proud of the role our staff played in delivering protocols for a Safer Return to Football for our members post COVID-19 in really difficult circumstances," he said.
"I have really enjoyed working with all the staff at the FAI and I would like to thank Roy and the Board for appointing me as Interim CEO in February.
“I would also like to acknowledge the strong support provided by all our key stakeholders - Sport Ireland, the Department of Sport, UEFA, FIFA and Bank of Ireland - during what has been a very difficult time for the organisation.
"I am delighted that the members fully endorsed all the work completed during that time."
Owens will still remain on in an advisory role with the FAI, until such time that a new CEO is appointed.
“I have confirmed to the Board that I am happy to provide interim leadership support during any transition period up to the appointment of a permanent CEO and I look forward to seeing the Association continue to develop in line with the strategy," he said.
"I am now looking forward to reverting to my original plans in the business world.”
More to follow....
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