Menton quits FAI role

The general secretary of the Football Association of Ireland Brendan Menton has resigned to take up a different role within the organisation.

Report published
The decision came as a consultancy company, Genesis, published its report into the FAI's arrangements at the FIFA World Cup. It was hired to investigate events in the summer which led to captain Roy Keane's withdrawal from the Irish squad before the finals.

'Inadequate' planning
The report was also critical of FAI management. It said that planning for the World Cup was "inadequate" and that "there was no culture of discipline in management".

Changes recommended
The report was compiled following interviews with Irish officials, players and media. It recommended sweeping changes to the way the association is run and organised. "I will step aside as general secretary as from this evening," Menton said yesterday.

Different role
"I would like to say that this is not a sudden decision on my part, but the timing is opportune. I will be taking up a different role within the association to bring to fruition a number of important projects for the association," he added.

Stability needed
"A key point in the report cites the need to draw the line, have a clear marker and create a watershed, and the need for the association to have a period of stability to enable the association to implement the most radical period of change in its history," Menton said.

Bright future
"As a true lover of football in this country I hope that the required changes will happen and that the future of Irish football will be a bright one."