Jonathan Hill Resigns as FAI CEO, David Courell to Take Over as Interim Chief
Jonathan Hill Resigns as the CEO of FAI!! !
Jonathan Hill’s resignation as the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) chief executive has been made public. The news, confirmed on Monday morning via the official FAI Twitter account, marks the end of Hill’s tenure, which began in November 2020.
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Jonathan Hill Resigns Amidst Controversy
Hill’s departure comes amidst ongoing developments within the association, including the imminent announcement of the new men’s national team manager.
Hill’s tenure faced scrutiny following revelations of payments exceeding agreed limits with the government, resulting in temporary funding suspension. Hill apologised “unreservedly” for the issue, citing it as a result of a misunderstanding stemming from an informal email exchange.
After an audit revealed breaches in payment limits, Hill promptly repaid the excess amount. Despite his repayment, the incident raised questions about governance and financial oversight within the FAI.
In a statement, the FAI outlined its plans for an interim CEO to be appointed soon, followed by a structured search for a permanent successor. Hill will depart on April 30, with Mayo native David Courell stepping in as interim CEO. Courell, who has served as the chief operating officer since 2021, brings a wealth of experience from his time at the English FA.
In response to his appointment, Courell expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is an honour to be asked to take on this post and a privilege to continue the positive work being carried out by the FAI. I look forward to working with the Board, the talented senior leadership team, the FAI’s trusted partners, and our passionate and committed colleagues to progress our collective strategic ambitions.”
Despite the recent challenges, FAI remains committed to fostering transparency and accountability in its operations. Attention now turns to the appointment of new leadership and efforts to ensure the continued progress and success of Irish football.
