The future of the FAI in terms of the way it is run became a little clearer on Friday night then slightly more out of focus over the weekend.

On Friday evening the FAI and Sport ireland issued a joint statement heralding the appointment of a Governance Review Group to develop reform proposals based around a particular set of terms of reference.

These include:

1. Reviewing the existing governance arrangements within the FAI and proposing a governance framework for the FAI in the context of good governance principles and practice.

2. Supporting the Board and the organisation in achieving and observing good governance practice.

3. Considering the organisation’s compliance with the Code of Practice for Good Governance of Community, Voluntary and Charitable Organisations in Ireland (2016), and other relevant Codes of good governance principles, norms and standards including those of UEFA and FIFA.

Specifically the Group will advise on board composition, board member / director nomination, election/appointment, term limits and succession planning, including through the development of a skills, knowledge, experience and diversity matrix for the Board.

4. In carrying out its work the Group will seek submissions and relevant input, where required and deemed appropriate by this group, from affiliates and members of the FAI and other stakeholders. It will also consult with wider stakeholders including UEFA and FIFA.

5. The Group will report to both Sport Ireland and the FAI Board. The FAI Board will in turn liaise with UEFA to ensure any proposed changes are in line with UEFA policy and practice on governance.

The group is chaired by Aidan Horan from the Institute of Public Administration who was nominated by Sport Ireland.  It will also include current Director and Chair of the Women’s Football Committee Niamh Donoghue and interim CEO Rea Walshe.

O’Donoghue is a former Secretary General at the department of Social Protection while Walshe had been heading up the FAI’s Governance Review programme that had led to John Delaney stepping down as CEO.

They are joined on the group by Independent Governance experts Dr Moling Ryan and Joe O’Leary.

“We are determined to rebuild the Association and ensure that we are fit for purpose as a modern and dynamic governing body for the biggest sport in the country,” said FAI President Donal Conway.

“Working closely with UEFA and Sport Ireland, we are committed to delivering on our promise to reform the FAI and we believe this Governance Review Group can establish the foundation for change before the Board resigns at the AGM in July.”

“The work of the Governance Review Group is vitally important to the FAI progressing on its corporate governance reform agenda,” added Sport Ireland CEO John Treacy.

“I am confident that the Group will deliver ambitious reform proposals, which will be based on good governance practice and which will comply with UEFA policy.”

As the weekend progressed though it appeared that Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross did not not fully share that confidence.

Speaking to the Sunday Times Ross indicated that he would prefer the Board to step down in advance of July and that “Any sign of hesitation is totally unacceptable.”

“The establishment of a national football forum will take place in the coming weeks,” he added.  “It is my preference that this will be followed by seats on the FAI board for fans, both male and female players, staff and other stakeholders whose voices have been muted.”

Whether the Board of a company with revenues of €50 Million is the right place for such a disparate range of interests within the sport, regardless of their suitability or preparedness to take on the obligations or responsibilities as Directors is open to some question, but it will be interesting to watch as the ‘behind the scenes’ work of the review Group and the Grant Thornton and Mazars teams contend with the bright spotlight of public, political and media interest.

It will also be interesting to see if John Delaney will fulfil his role as Chair of the UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee and be present at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night for the opening match in the UEFA U17 European Championships.

Neither UEFA nor the FAI have been able to confirm or dent that he will be present.