Mayo native had filled role as interim Chief Executive for six months since Jonathan Hill’s exit
David Courell at the FAI’s recent AGM. Photo: Sportsfile
The FAI have appointed David Courell as its new permanent Chief Executive, almost six months after Jonathan Hill left the association amid controversy about his remuneration.
As exclusively revealed by the Irish Independent, the board of the FAI voted earlier Thursday to approve the recommendation of its appointments committee to make Courell the FAI’s permanent CEO.
He becomes the second person to take the permanent position since John Delaney left the role after more than 14 years in charge amid a financial scandal in 2019.
Courell has been filling in as FAI interim-CEO since April 15 when Hill’s departure was announced. The FAI recently said at its AGM that it had agreed on a confidential settlement with Hill in April that was brokered by FAI chairman Tony Keohane.
Courell, who is originally from Castlebar in Mayo, joined the FAI in February 2022 as its Chief Operating Officer.
Courell is understood to have faced competition from Sarah Keane, the CEO of Swim Ireland, and Munster Rugby CEO Ian Flanagan, who formerly worked with Leicester City.
Following his announcement, Courell said: “It is an honour to assume the position of CEO of the FAI on a permanent basis. Ireland has a rich footballing history, and the game continues to play a significant role in Irish society engaging more than 400,000 people every year.
“In saying that I came home two years ago as I felt that Irish Football had huge unrealised potential and that I could play my part in unlocking it. In working with the brilliant staff we have at the Association and through embedding myself in the Irish football community that belief has only strengthened.
“While there is a lot to do, we also have a lot to celebrate ad build upon. I look forward to working with our Chair, President and the Board, General Assembly, staff, partners and our wider community to guide the Association into the future and I thank the Board of the FAI for their ongoing support.”
FAI President Paul Cooke added: “On behalf of Irish Football, I’m pleased that David has been appointed as CEO. We have already seen the benefit that his leadership and guidance has brought to the Association in the past number of months, in particular the positive relationships that have been built upon with key political and football stakeholders.
“I look forward to working with him as we continue to build a positive future for Ireland’s biggest participation sport.”
