CEO ‘proud of what has been achieved’ on his watch

€211,100 to €258,000. Hill didn’t speak in public since his car-crash performance before the Public Accounts Committee on February 22 where he was grilled about a secret FAI payment of €11,500 in lieu of untaken holidays in 2022.

The Yorkshire native’s unconvincing explanation to the PAC damaged himself, and the reputation of the association, although independent chair Tony Keohane afterwards backed Hill as the right man to lead the FAI.

Yesterday, Keohane’s position diplomatically shifted as he paid tribute to the departing official.

‘Jonathan joined the association during a difficult time in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic and helped the association navigate an extremely challenging period,’ Keohane remarked.

Hill said he was ‘proud of what has been achieved’ on his watch.

‘A notable step forward was the 2021 Equal Pay agreement which has been a vital catalyst for the rapid rise of the women’s senior national team over this period, culminating in a historic first World Cup appearance in Australia in 2023.

‘Our successful bids to host Euro 2028 and the UEFA Europa League final next month are testament to the progress delivered by the FAI staff and their incredible commitment and hard work.

‘I firmly believe that the future is bright for Irish football,’ Hill added.

His exit leaves the FAI without a senior men’s manager, a permanent CEO, and a director of marketing and communications.

Ironically, O’Shea, who has been linked with the Ireland job, is in Dublin today to promote the Europa League decider in his role as a UEFA ambassador.

He knows he can expect a barrage of questions on the Irish managerial vacancy.

O’Shea, who took charge for the two friendlies last month, had expected news from the FAI by the weekend to clarify his role with the senior team.

FAI chiefs are keen for the former Manchester United star to remain involved in the senior set-up in some capacity.