THE FAI BOARD has backed its chief executive John Delaney following recent controversy surrounding his behaviour.

In the wake of Ireland’s 4-1 victory over USA last week, Delaney was filmed in a bar near the Aviva Stadium singing a well-known republican song, attracting criticism from FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce among others as a result.

However, a statement from Tony Fitzgerald on behalf of FAI Board released this evening defended their under-fire CEO. It read:

“Following recent coverage of the cyber bullying of his partner Emma and the fact that John has publicly apologised if he offended anyone for singing the nationalist song in question, we are happy to bring the matter to a close.

“The Board is more than pleased with the way John Delaney is running the Association. He has done an enormous amount for Irish football. In the past year alone the winning of EURO 2020 bid for Dublin adds to a number of very important developments he has helped oversee during his tenure. We recently awarded him a contract extension to 2020 and he is fully deserving of that.”

Delaney previously stated he was unaware that he was being filmed and apologised for any offence caused in an RTÉ 2fm interview.

– First published 23.05, 26 November

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