It was unexpected but when it came last night there was a logic and a strong degree of integrity in the decision of Roy Barrett to step down as Chair of the FAI.

Independent Director Gary Twohig is also to step down and will now not be seeking ratification as a Director of the FAI at the resumed AGM on January 21st.

Barrett took up the position of Chairperson in 2020 at a critical time and has been a key figure in stabilising the Association over the past three years. It was far from an easy journey with the rescue plan for the FAI, and detailed agreements on reform and finance involving government, the Bank of Ireland, UEFA, and the multiple stakeholders within the domestic game.

At times in media briefings he looked uncomfortable but never let the appearance get in the way of getting the job done, not always an easy path to follow.

Dealmaker

His obvious experience as a dealmaker from the financial world was a marker that those who needed to believe in the changes being not only agreed but also implemented could do so and he was a key player in the Association emerging from its darkest days.

Managing the fallout of the John Delaney era, the massive debt, the collapse of trust in the institution, and then Covid was a menu that few could possibly have handled but Barrett did so and history will look kindly on his tenure.

Over the past year, the question of gender equality in the leadership of sporting bodies has been a constant refrain. From the moment that Catherine Martin and Jack Chambers announced a 40 percent target for Boards of sporting organisations, the clock was ticking.

The FAI, GAA and Irish Rugby Football Union are the three largest sporting bodies and also the ones who were in the sight line when it came to equal representation. When Barrett came on Board as Chair, he was joined by independent directors Catherine Guy and Liz Joyce, but two out of 12 was only a step in the right direction towards 40 percent.

Conversations

Barrett knew exactly what was needed and continually batted away question of “What are you going to do?” with the refrain of conversations taking place.

The writing between the lines was clearly that some no doubt good people would have to step down from the board to make space for a better gender balance. There were those who said this was tokenistic and shouldn’t be a priority but those views are no longer valid in a society where we are equal and where female leadership has long been sorely underrepresented.

Late last year Richard Shakespeare, who still has plenty to offer, stepped down from the board, paving the way for the nomination of Niamh O’Mahony. That makes 3 but still two short of what would be needed to hit 40 percent.

At the time Barrett reiterated that change was coming and that conversations were taking place. In the end, it appears that the conversations Gary Twohig could only be backed up by one with himself.

Both their roles are as independent directors which will allow for a competitive process to replace them from the widest sporting and business communities. That will now take place in time for replacements to be ratified at the 2023 AGM.

Sustainable

If both those agreed are female then the target has been reached, and it will buy time for that balance to be truly sustainable by nurturing leadership through the ‘football family’ lines of ascent to the Board.

Barrett has confirmed he will continue in his role until such time as a suitable replacement is appointed in the coming months.

“My intention to step down from my position provides a clear opportunity for the Board, to ensure that at least 40% of the Directors are female by the end of 2023, as required by the Constitution, and the Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) with Government,” said Barrett in a statement last night.”

“This is something that I feel very strongly about, and I am convinced that this is in the best long-term interest of the FAI and the game of football in Ireland.”

“I have been Chairperson for the last three years and, whilst there have been many challenges, I am pleased with the progress that the organisation has made over the period. We now have much greater financial stability, we have a new CEO and management team which I am increasingly impressed with and there is a clear direction for our sport in Ireland, as evidenced by the 2022-2025 Strategy we approved last year.”

“Similarly, relationships with the key stakeholders of the FAI have been repaired and there is a lot of support there for the game and its development.”

“This is a good point for me to step aside and let others continue on with the journey. I will continue to fulfil my role and responsibilities with the same energy and enthusiasm until a replacement is found.”

Gary Twohig was first elected to the Board as an Independent member at the May 2021 AGM and subsequently appointed as Chairperson of the FAI’s Commercial Committee. In this role, he has supported the restructure of the FAI’s commercial, marketing and communications functions.

Commenting on his decision, he said: “The FAI has committed to have a more gender-balanced Board with at least two more female Board members needing to be appointed by the end of this year. In order to help ensure we deliver on that commitment I have taken the decision to step down from my position as an independent Director. It has been a privilege to work alongside my fellow Board members and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve together with Jonathan Hill and the FAI Senior Leadership team in the last few years.”

The President of the FAI Gerry McAnaney added: “I personally would like to sincerely thank Roy for all his work in helping to stabilise the Association after a difficult period. I look forward to continuing our positive working relationship over the coming months as we seek a successor.

“I also wish to thank Gary for all his valued contribution to the Board. His commercial acumen has been a huge asset to the Association, and I speak on behalf of all our Directors when I wish him well with his business interests going forward.”

“I would like to thank Roy and Gary for their contribution to the FAI throughout a transformational time for the Association and their confidence in the executive team as we continue to implement our 2022-2025 strategy,” concluded CEO Jonathan Hill, who was appointed by Barrett.

“Their decision clearly creates the platform for the Association to achieve gender balance targets, which we are confident will be the right thing for Irish Football into the future. I would particularly like to thank Roy on a personal basis for his leadership, hard work and counsel during my own time at the Association – it has been hugely appreciated.”

The FAI will conduct an executive search for the recruitment of Independent Directors to replace Barrett and Twohig on the Board through an open, public process which will be overseen by the Association’s Nominations Committee in the coming months.

Sport for Business Perspective:

As we have stated above this was a dignified decision by individuals placing the interest of the sport above their own. That is the obligation of a Board member but is at times overlooked in a sporting hierarchy that has always been maintained on the basis of service up the ranks.

Barrett was never wholly comfortable in the spotlight but he did what needed to be done and he leaves the FAI in an immeasurably better place than he found it. There can hardly be a better legacy.