Under-fire John Delaney has sensationally quit as FAI boss.
The 51-year-old stepped down from his €360,000 a year role - but will take up a new position in the association.
The shock news comes after a huge controversy over a €100,000 loan he had made to the FAI in 2017.
Delaney said: "This past fortnight has been very difficult for me on a personal and professional level and I would like to thank the Board and my work colleagues across the FAI for their support.
"In recent days I have received many messages of support from the family of football, from many of the 2,000 clubs I have visited in my role as CEO and from the world of politics and sport which I am grateful for.
"It has been my absolute pleasure and privilege to have served the Football Association of Ireland as CEO since 2005.
FAI statement in full as John Delaney steps down as CEO to take up new role
"I would like to thank all the staff and everyone involved in Irish football for their support and assistance in that time."
The FAI released the statement announcing his departure minutes after Ireland's unimpressive 1-0 away win over Gibraltar in their opening Euro 2020 campaign match.
The statement said: "The Board of the Football Association of Ireland has adopted a review of its senior management structure that will see Chief Executive Officer John Delaney move to a new position of Executive Vice-President with immediate effect.
"Chief Operating Officer Rea Walshe has been appointed to the role of Interim CEO by the Board as the recruitment process begins for a new Chief Executive Officer.
"The report was commissioned in February and carried out in recent weeks."
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The recruitment process for a new permanent CEO will take place imediately. The Waterford man steps down from his role after 14 years at the helm.
He has been in the spotlight in recent weeks after details emerged of a €100,000 bridging loan he gave to the FAI - which was repaid to him within a matter of weeks.
He is due to give evidence before an Oireachtas Sports Committee meeting on April 3.
The FAI statement added: "The new role of Executive Vice-President would be a specific defined role with responsibility for a range of international matters and special projects on behalf of the FAI. It is envisaged that the current CEO would step into this new role.
"This would allow Irish football to continue to benefit from his extensive football experience and contacts across Europe and the rest of the world."
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FAI President Donal Conway said: "On behalf of the Board and the members of the Association I want to thank John for everything he has done for the FAI and for Irish football. He has transformed how we operate as an Association.
"John will continue to represent us at UEFA level as we look ahead to next year when the Aviva Stadium will host four games at the EURO 2020 finals thanks to his influence at European level.
"John’s life has been devoted to Irish football and he will bring the same energy, vitality and inspiration to this new role.
"We will now begin the recruitment process for a new CEO with an expected appointment ahead of our AGM in Trim at the end of July."
Meanwhile, Delaney added: "This new role is one that really excites me.
“I am very proud of my work as CEO with the FAI.
“Since my appointment, we have built the world class stadium that is the Aviva Stadium in partnership with the Government and the IRFU.
"We have hosted the UEFA Europa League final and next year we will host four games at EURO 2020, hopefully with Mick McCarthy and his Ireland team there in group stages."
