John Earley claims he was left with “no other option’” but to quit the FAI board.
Earley’s resignation this evening follows that of former Honorary Secretary Michael Cody and Honorary Treasurer Eddie Murray.
Cody and Murray stepped down on April 15, the same day that ex-FAI chief executive John Delaney was effectively placed on gardening leave.
Donal Conway, Noel Fitzroy, Mick Hanley, Jim McConnell, Paraic Treanor, Eamon Naughton and Niamh O'Donoghue remain on the board.
But they intend stepping down ahead of the FAI AGM in Trim on July 27 with new governance reform recommendations on the way.
Chief among them will be a new 12-person board which is to include at least four female and four independent directors.
Earley - who will continue as chairman of the Schoolboys Football Association of Ireland (SFAI) - released a statement through that body this evening.
He said: “A combination of recent events during the ongoing governance review, and failure to address my concerns at board level, left me with no other option but to resign.”
Earley added: “I regretfully confirm my resignation from the board of the FAI and as Chair of the FAI Underage Committee, with immediate effect.
“My time on the board has given me the opportunity to work alongside some excellent people within and outside of football in Ireland and elsewhere.
“To my board colleagues and members of the FAI Underage Committee, both past and present, and to the staff in Abbotstown, I wish to extend my thanks.
“In my role as Chairman of the SFAI, I have always tried to ensure the underage game in this country is recognised as one of the integral parts of the game.
“I wish all those working to better the game in this country the very best of luck, and I look forward to continue working with many of you in my role as Chairman of the SFAI.”
An FAI statement read: “The Board thanks John for his service and wishes him well with his continued involvement with the SFAI.”
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