Canham steps down as Ireland’s Chief Football Officer

Canham had taken a lead in developing the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan, which “provides a clear direction for the continued growth of the game at all levels from grassroots, to professional, to international.”

FAI CEO David Courell said this represented the first time the FAI had taken a “clear whole-game approach” but there has been opposition to it within Irish football. One of the main pillars of the Plan is the alignment of all levels of the Irish game in a single calendar, which the Schoolboys FAI has wanted to be reconsidered.

The recruitment process for a new CFO will “commence immediately”, the FAI said, and they plan to use an external recruitment firm to lead the process, with an internal panel deciding on the final hire. Canham will continue in his position as he conducts a handover.

He said: “After much consideration, I have made the decision to leave the Association and relocate back to England. This decision has not been an easy one to come to, but I believe that the time is right to explore new personal and professional opportunities for me and my family.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Ireland and working in Irish football and I am proud of the work that we have put in place to support its long-term development.  

“I would like to thank the FAI Board, all of my colleagues at the FAI, and everyone involved in Irish football for their support during my time with the Association. I wish every person, every organisation and everyone associated with Irish football the very best for the future.”

FAI CEO David Courell added: “We are very grateful to Marc for his commitment and contribution to Irish football, and we wish him every success for the future. Marc and his team have shaped a clear vision for the game through the development of the Football Pathways Plan.

“This is the first time we have had a clear whole-game approach which the Association is committed to delivering on and which we firmly believe will set Irish football up for future success.”

Courell said the FAI would consider candidates from outside Ireland as Canham’s replacement but added that “we have huge talent and expertise within the Irish football community.”