THE JONATHAN HILL TIMELINE..
BY
MARK MCCADDEN
OCTOBER 16, 2020: The FAI confirms the appointment of 57-year-old Jonathan Hill as CEO from November 1, citing his “wealth of football and leadership experience”.
The FAI announces equal pay for men’s and women’s senior international teams, following discussions between Hill, Ciaran Medlar, advisor to the male and female international players, and captains Katie Mccabe (right) and Seamus
Coleman.
AUGUST 30, 2021:
SEPTEMBER 9:
While the men’s team remains without a sponsor, the FAI confirms Sky’s sponsorship of the women’s national team, with Hill hailing “yet another really positive step forward for women’s and girls’ football in Ireland.”
FEBRUARY 7, 2022: The FAI, along with their English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish counterparts, confirm their intention to bid to host Euro 2028. “We’re very excited by the news this morning,” says Hill. JUNE 16: Marc Canham is appointed as the new FAI director of football. He is scheduled to begin in August and Hill says: “I trust his dynamic and all-inclusive approach will deliver across all levels of our game.” OCTOBER 25: A new head of women’s and girls’ football role is created, with Hill saying: “We must build on their magnificent qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to ensure that women’s and girls’ football does fulfil its full potential.” MARCH 9: The FAI unveil a new crest for the national teams and logo for the association. Four days later, Castore are confirmed as new kit manufacturers on a ‘multi-year’ deal, a decision that isn’t met with universal approval by fans.
APRIL 12: The Ireland and UK bid to host Euro 2028 is submitted to UEFA.
JUNE 8: An ambitious Facilities and Infrastructure Vision and Strategy is announced, with a proposed investment of €863million over a 15-year period. The Government is asked to contribute €517m.
The FAI decides against offering women’s team boss Vera Pauw a new contract, after a six-hour board meeting, bringing the curtain down on her four-year reign. Hill breaks the news to Pauw (below) in a phone conversation with the Dutchwoman.
OCTOBER 10: With the Ireland and UK bid unchallenged, UEFA confirms that the five associations have won the right to host Euro 2028. Hill sees the development as an opportunity to push for Government funding. NOVEMBER 22: The FAI confirm the departure of Stephen Kenny. DECEMBER 9: Hill, after the FAI AGM, fields questions on the payment he received in lieu of holidays. DECEMBER 18: Eileen Gleeson is appointed as women’s head coach. FEBRUARY 21, 2024: FAI staff call on management to attend the Workplace Relations Commission – after claiming that direct talks with top brass on pay have failed to bring about a solution.
FEBRUARY 22: The FAI’S bid to secure €517m in state funds over 15 years takes a hit, as the association is accused of “insulting the public” with a “cock and bull story”.
APRIL 15: Confirmation comes of Hill’s imminent departure.