FAI set for job cuts as redundancy programme announced

The FAI has announced they will introduce a voluntary redundancy programme and will potentially move towards compulsory job losses in what they say is the start of "a significant transformation programme to modernise how football is developed and delivered in Ireland".

In a statement issued this morning, the governing body said their restructure will begin in the coming days with the launch of the voluntary redundancy programme.

They added that once that has been completed "the association will then assess progress against its long-term vision and move forward with a phase of redeployment before confirming the number of compulsory redundancies required".

No specific numbers have been given so far or terms of the exit programme for staff, of which around 251 are currently employed.

The FAI claim the move is to help with future strategic objectives, accelerate internal culture change and introduce specialist skillsets, as well as delivering increased financial sustainability

They added: "The transformation programme is informed by extensive research including, UEFA benchmarking, and has been shaped with the benefit of external guidance from specialist consultancy firms.

"The findings make it clear that the association does not currently have the required framework and specific skillsets to implement vital strategies, including the FAI Football Pathways Plan, and to meet the evolving needs of Irish football – at all levels of the game."

They said without the job losses, both voluntary and possibly compulsory, they will not be able to deliver success on an international stage, as well as within the country.

"The association must undertake this process to ensure that all clubs, communities and counties around the country are best served and that Irish football can create a playing culture and pathway to compete as a nation, provide positive participation experiences for all, and continue to develop the game at a local, regional, national and international level.

"While the association has met on multiple occasions with SIPTU officials – who represent a portion of our staff - the Senior Leadership Team remain committed to keeping all staff fully informed. Following the board decision, a staff meeting took place today to offer further information as the transformation gets underway."

The Republic of Ireland's men senior team are currently ranked 60th in the world. They have failed to qualify for a World Cup since 2002.

The women's senior side reached the World Cup for the first time in 2023, their first major tournament.

The FAI was €70m in debt before a government-led bailout in 2020 and have significant financial restraints as a result.

SIPTU, the union that represents a portion of FAI staff, has written to the body and the Oireachtas Committee for Sport seeking urgent engagement on issues of job security, governance and accountability.

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