Breaking News last week as FAI CEO Jonathan Hill announced he will step down from his role at the end of the month. Adam Schmitz assesses Hill’s legacy and previews what is to come for Irish Football.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) announced on Monday 15th April that Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Hill, will leave his role at the end of the month. The news comes after his appearance in front of the Dáil’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) earlier this year, in which he admitted to accepting almost €12,000 of additional pay in lieu of untaken holidays. After three and a half years atop Irish football, the FAI have announced that David Courell will act as interim CEO before a “structured search for a full time successor” takes place.
Hill admitted to accepting almost €12,000 of additional pay in lieu of untaken holidays.
Hill, who took over the role in November 2020, has not departed the role with quite as many enemies as his predecessor John Delaney, but the overall reaction of fans since the announcement of his departure has been one of relief following a number of controversies during his tenure.
Pressure has mounted on Hill since his appearance in front of the Dáil’s PAC in February. An audit commissioned by Sport Ireland found that the €11,550 he received from the FAI in lieu of holidays was against the staff rule book. He claimed that this occurred due to a “throwaway joke being misinterpreted” and agreed to pay back the money, along with an additional €8,000 benefit-in-kind that he had received for commuting expenses (Hill, CEO of Irish Football, resides in the United Kingdom). The audit found that this benefit-in-kind pushed his salary above the cap of €270,000 which was put in place as part of the terms of the 2020 government bailout of the FAI.
Financial controversy isn’t the only factor that garnered positive reactions to Hill’s resignation on social media. Since the FAI announced that Stephen Kenny’s contract would not be renewed in November 2023, the association has failed to announce a new Men’s National Team manager. A new manager was set to be announced at the end of last week, but FAI Director of Football Mark Canham confirmed on Friday 19th April that “the process is not concluded and will remain ongoing.” Eight months after the sacking of Stephen Kenny, despite help from former international goalkeeper and current board member Packie Bonner, fans have been told not to expect a permanent replacement until September.
Alongside this prolonged wait for a manager for the Men’s National team, Hill also faced criticism for the lack of sponsors acquired for the men’s national jersey, until Sky signed a four year deal worth €8 million just last month – four years since Three cut ties as shirt sponsor.
Hill also faced criticism for the lack of sponsors acquired for the men’s national jersey.
However, it should be noted there have been some notable positive changes since Hill took over as CEO of the FAI in November 2020. An FAI statement drew attention to the 2021 equal pay agreement, which in the FAI’s own words has been “a vital catalyst for the rapid rise of the women’s senior national team over this period, culminating in a historic first World Cup appearance in Australia in 2023”. It’s true that last summer saw eyes on the Women’s National Team like never before, and this agreement saw Ireland set an example for the treatment of female footballers, just four years after the team threatened to strike due to lack of government funding.
Hill has also overseen two successful bids which will see Dublin host major European Football events in the coming weeks and years. In May, The Aviva Stadium will play host to the Europa League Final, Europe’s secondary international club competition. On a much grander scale, Hill oversaw the FAI’s part in the successful bid to host the 2028 UEFA European Championship. Co-hosting the tournament with the United Kingdom, Ireland’s National Aviva Stadium could host some of the best international teams from around the continent, and will draw attention to Ireland’s ability to host major football tournaments. Its inclusion could also bring about increased funding to help grass-roots clubs and the League of Ireland, which is struggling to adapt to increased attendances over the past two years.
Hill has also overseen two successful bids which will see Dublin host major European Football events in the coming weeks and years.
FAI president Paul Cooke closed out the FAI statement on Hill’s departure, perhaps adding more well wishes than commenters on social media this morning: “Jonathan has worked incredibly hard in creating the solid foundations for growth and I am sure the Board, executive and staff can now build on those foundations to create real change for the largest participation sport in the country. I wish Jonathan every success in the future”.