Ford steps down from role at FAW
THE Football Association of Wales have confirmed that Jonathan Ford has stepped down from his role of chief executive.
Ford, who was appointed back in 2009, was the subject of a vote of no confidence from the FAW’s ruling council last month and was placed on gardening leave.
The FAW confirmed yesterday he will be officially leaving the job at the end of the month.
In a statement, the FAW said: “The Football Association of Wales can confirm that Jonathan Ford will step down from his position as Chief Executive of the Association on 31 March 2021.
“Since Mr Ford’s appointment in 2009, the FAW’s profile in European and world football has greatly increased and there has been significant improvements in world class facilities including the National Training and Development Centres at Dragon Park, Newport and Colliers Park, Wrexham and the new National Elite Centre and FAW Head Quarters at Hensol, near Cardiff.
“During his tenure, Wales has hosted several prestigious events such as the UEFA U19’s European Championships in 2013, the UEFA Super Cup Final in 2014 and the women’s and men’s Champions League Finals in 2017.
“The men’s national team reached the semi-finals of EURO 2016 and secured back-to-back Euro qualification for the first time and were promoted to the top division of the UEFA Nations League in 2020 as group winners.
“The FAW would like to place on record its gratitude to Mr Ford for his efforts over the past 11 years and wish him the best for future endeavours.
“The FAW will not be making any further comment at this current time.”
Ford’s departure comes amid criticism from clubs over the handling of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and after the controversial appointment of Angela van den Bogerd as the FAW’s head of people.
The Echo understands the no confidence motion in Ford was passed by an overwhelming margin.
While not entirely unexpected given last month’s motion, the departure of Ford leaves a vacuum at the top and a level of uncertainty ahead of this summer’s European Championships.