Former FAI executive vice-president John Delaney resigns from UEFA Executive Committee

Former FAI executive vice-president John Delaney has tendered his resignation from the UEFA Executive Committee with immediate effect.

The disgraced former FAI CEO’s term was due to end in 2021, at which point he would be ineligible to apply for re-election, but he has opted to end his association with the committee a year early.

The Waterford native resigned his position as executive vice-president in July under pressure over revelations of severe financial problems and a €100,000 “bridging loan” he contributed to the association.

Auditors Deloitte found the 2017 association accounts to be incomplete and an updated probe revealed a financial shortfall of up to €70 million within the organisation.

Sport Ireland withdrew almost €3 million worth of grant funding in 2019 but appears willing to reverse that position following boardroom changes at FAI level.

Delaney served as CEO of the association from 2004 to 2019 before moving to a specially-created position of executive vice-president in March. This position no longer exists.

"UEFA takes note of John Delaney’s resignation with immediate effect from his position as UEFA Executive Committee member which was due to end in 2021," a UEFA statement said today.

"During his time on the Executive Committee, John Delaney played a leading role in helping UEFA to achieve many things. He was instrumental in the expansion of the EURO to 24 teams, which proved such a success in 2016.

“Several teams that may not otherwise have qualified proved that they have a contribution to make on the biggest stage, with Wales’ run to the semifinals and Iceland’s elimination of England standing out as examples of this.

"He was an important figure in the move to centralise the TV rights across national team competitions – something which has benefitted all UEFA member associations and which was rolled out into the new UEFA Nations League tournament. UEFA wishes him well in the future."