Jonathan Hill, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), is set to step down from his role by the end of the month. Hill, who took office in November 2020, has faced mounting criticism in the recent past.
His appearance before the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in February was subject to intense scrutiny. Hill was brought in following a Sport Ireland-led review of the FAI’s finances, revealing he had accepted a near €12,000 payment for unused holiday.
This act was justified as a misinterpreted casual joke in front of two Joint-Oireachtas committees since December, which was largely dismissed by politicians, one of whom branded it a “cock and bull” tale.
The London-based executive returned the money and an extra €8,000 benefit-in-kind for travel costs, after it was revealed his salary had exceeded the previously agreed-upon €270,000 upper limit.
As per the 2020 Government bailout conditions, FAI executives’ remuneration cannot supersede that of a common secretary in a government department.
The FAI was expected to present their new permanent senior team manager this week, although it’s currently unsure if this announcement will take place. Hill had participated in recruitment for the position, alongside football director Marc Canham and board member Packie Bonner.
In a statement from the FAI, Hill remarked on the “radical transformation process” that the association had undergone since his tenure began in 2020, commending the progress made. He highlighted the significance of the 2021 Equal Pay agreement for the ascend of the women’s senior national team, which saw them qualify for their first World Cup taking place in Australia 2023.
The successful bids to host the Euro 2028 and Uefa Europa League final in the coming month reflect the hard work and dedication of the FAI staff, he added. Hill expressed his belief in the bright future of Irish football.
Tony Keohane, who chairs the FAI board independently, stated that Jonathan’s contribution during the tumultuous time of the Covid 19 outbreak was instrumental in guiding the association through substantial difficulties. Keohane, on behalf of the FAI board, expressed his gratitude for Jonathan’s unwavering dedication and commitment over the previous years and extended his best wishes for his future endeavours.
Adding to this, Paul Cooke, the president of the FAI, acknowledged Jonathan’s intensive efforts in establishing a robust platform for the association’s growth. He expressed confidence that the board, the executive team, and staff are well-equipped to leverage those foundations, thereby driving substantial changes in the country’s most widely played sport. Cooke also wished Jonathan every success in his subsequent pursuits.