Niall Quinn has announced that he is leaving the FAI.
The former Republic of Ireland striker has been deputy interim chief executive of the association since January.
But he is following interim chief executive Gary Owens out the door, once a permanent CEO is appointed in the coming weeks.
Quinn and Owens were members of the self-styled ‘Visionary Group’ that wanted to transform football in the country.
Quinn wrote to FAI staff today to announce his departure.
In a statement, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time working with the talented and dedicated staff in Abbottstown.
“I’ve a better understanding of just how much great work they do for Irish football, often unheralded and seemingly always amidst a cloud of job uncertainty.
“When I joined the Association with Gary back at the end of January, we wanted to protect jobs and help implement real structural change within the FAI for the betterment of the Irish game.
“With the successful vote for change at last Monday’s EGM and the completed restructuring of day to day roles in HQ, the game can now look forward to a more productive future.”
Quinn continued: “Even though these changes were met with resistance by a small minority of constituents, the way is now clear for a new incoming CEO to drive football forward again.
“I will remain close to Irish football and I wish all of my colleagues the very best of luck in the coming weeks and months as more important changes are implemented to make our game and our association strong again.
“I will remain available to the FAI, as required, until the new CEO is in situ.”
