Mooney’s the main man after FAW make key appointment

NOEL Mooney has been appointed as the Football Association of Wales’ new chief executive.

The position has been vacant since Jonathan Ford departed in March after a vote of no confidence was passed by the FAW council ahead of the Red Dragons’ matches against Belgium, Mexico and Czech Republic.

But former League of Ireland player Mooney – who is currently UEFA’s head of strategic development – has landed the huge role in the Welsh setup.

He will begin his new post on August 30 ahead of Wales’ friendly against Finland and their 2022 World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and Estonia in September.

“In this next chapter for Welsh football, we will grow and evolve the game to become more popular and successful,” said the Irishman.

“The mission is very clear and I can’t wait to work with everyone in Welsh football to reach our full potential.

“I have enjoyed collaborating with great people to grow European football at UEFA for the past decade and now the focus will be on ensuring that the FAW becomes one of the best football associations globally by being strong locally in every village and town across Wales.”

Mooney – who hails from Cappamore, Limerick – was tasked with improving domestic football in Ireland after earning a job with the Football Association of Ireland in 2006.

The former Limerick, Cork City and Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper went on to market the League of Ireland.

Speaking about Mooney’s impending arrival, FAW president Kieran O’ Connor said: “He has a vast experience of working across all European national associations over the past decade to grow European football.