John Delaney is down but not out after his resignation as FAI CEO

John Delaney’s salary has been cut ‘substantially’ but it would be naive to think he’ll no longer wield considerable influence within the FAI.

The embattled Waterford man was removed as FAI chief executive in a remarkable chain of events before, during and after Saturday’s clash in Gibraltar,

Critics of his controversial 14-year reign were premature in thinking he was no more, as the Association then dropped him into the newly created role of ‘executive vice president’.

Indeed.

Having been paid close to €360,000 per annum – plus perks, some more truly flabbergasting than others – the crisis-hit former CEO will still rake in roughly a third of that per year.

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Throw in the annual €160,000 he will continue to trouser for his role on UEFA’S Executive Committee and it’s enough to keep any man in rent, ties and shoes for some time.

Rea Walsh is promoted from within to interim CEO – and the smart money is on her to land it full-time when the FAI reveal Delaney’s successor at their July AGM.

According to the FAI , “the new chief executive and the executive vice-president would need to work closely together.” Not so long ago, Walsh was promoted to chief operating officer under Delaney’s watch.

There’s already a working relationship there, whereas an ‘outsider’ could find Delaney’s shadow over the corridors of power just a touch suffocating.

Delaney is taking a shoeing as financial controversy engulfs him but while he’s down, he’s not out.

The yes men – and woman – of the board saw to that by refusing to bite the hand that feeds them.

But there’s no surprise there.