John Delaney: Former FAI chief executive to attend committee hearing on Wednesday
- Published
Delaney was moved into the new role of executive vice president at the end of March
The Football Association of Ireland has confirmed that former CEO John Delaney will appear in front of an Irish parliamentary committee on Wednesday.
The committee will seek an explanation for a 100,000 euro bridging loan the FAI received from Delaney in 2017.
Delaney is one of several FAI members that will attend the hearing.
FAI president Donal Conway's statement also said recent association comments did not accurately reflect the FAI board's awareness of the loan.
"The Association has advised Sport Ireland that we are moving as fast as we can, being mindful of the complexity involved and the need to ensure that all statements we make are accurate and processes are fair and robust," said Mr Conway's statement.
"We also advised that some recent comments made by the FAI did not accurately reflect the Board's level of awareness of the existence of the €100,000 issue in 2017. This matter is being considered by the Board sub-committee.
"The Association recognises and shares the desire for the matters to be addressed as soon as possible.
"The board is seeking to fully address all concerns in a determined and transparent manner."
Delaney left his position with immediate effect at the end of March, stepping straight into the newly created role of executive vice president.
Last week Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy told the Transport, Tourism and Sport committee that the FAI had failed to provide an explanation around the circumstances of the loan.
"I regret that we were not in a position to assist Sport Ireland with answers to its questions before it attended the Committee last Wednesday," continued Conway.
"I accept more information would have assisted Sport Ireland and the Committee and I regret that it could not be provided before their meeting."
Last month Delaney stated that the loan, which was repaid two months later, was to "aid a very short-term cash flow issue".
FAI president Conway will be among five of the governing body's executives to appear before Wednesday's parliamentary committee hearing.
Reports suggest that Mr Conway's opening statement will include an admission that the FAI's failure to notify Sport Ireland of Delaney's loan to the governing body was a breach of state funding rules.
