Soccer:Irish Football Association president Raymond Kennedy is to resign in September following a highly critical report into his handling of the sacking of former chief executive Howard Wells in 2008.
Wells took an unfair dismissal case which cost the Irish FA some £500,000 including legal costs. The FA settled the case before it went to a government commissioned review carried out by sports council and which has yet to be made public. The report was damning of Kennedy and vice-president David Martin who quit his post on Monday.
The IFA said Mr Kennedy will go at its next council meeting in two months.
A press conference on the issue was called off today and a statement issued. It confirmed the decision to stand down, but it also outlined a number of honorary positions Kennedy will hold.
“On stepping aside from the role of President, Mr Kennedy will become an Honorary Life Vice President of the Association,” it said.
“He will continue in his roles as a member of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, and the Uefa Fair Play and Social Responsibility Committee. Mr Kennedy will also be a member of the IFA’s delegation to the 125th annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, which will be held in Wales in March 2011.”
In addition, the IFA said it would “utilise his experience and expertise” to advise on the proposed £30 million redevelopment of Windsor Park in south Belfast where Northern Ireland home matches are played.
The Association statement admitted it is “aware that recent events have indicated weaknesses in its structure and governance, and confirms its commitment to address these matters in the near future”.
Stormont sports minister Nelson McCausland said last night he was satisfied the IFA was undergoing change.