Mayo native appointed Interim CEO of the FAI

David Courell, son of Mr and Ms Eamon Courell, Pontoon Drive, Castlebar, is set to be named as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the FAI following the departure of Jonathan Hill.

Courell's appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation as it seeks to improve its public image after a tumultuous few years with the association failing to improve its standing in the eyes of the Irish footballing faithful.

With a distinguished career spanning sports management and strategic planning, Courell will bring a wealth of experience to the role.

Previously serving in key positions at the English FA, including Head of Business Management and Head of the 2030 FIFA World Cup Bid Feasibility, Courell has demonstrated a keen ability to drive organisational excellence and innovation.

Having played integral roles in major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, Courell's recent role as COO in the FAI will be looked upon favourably as he is a resident in Ireland with plenty of expertise in the realms of Irish football.

His first task will be to source a successor for Stephen Kenny, the drawn-out managerial search has been met with criticism across the board while John O’Shea took up temporary charge during the underwhelming March friendlies against Belgium and Switzerland.