Irish chief Delaney steps aside amid governance questions

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney stepped aside from his role on Saturday, the FAI said, 10 days before he was due to appear before lawmakers over a 100,000 euro (£85,606) loan provided to the governing body.

(Reuters)

Delaney was called before a parliamentary committee over the personal loan, provided two years ago to help the FAI with what it called a short-term cash flow issue. Delaney said it was the only time he gave such a loan and it was repaid in full.

Delaney will remain in the association he has led since 2005 in a new role of executive vice-president.

Rea Walshe, who was promoted to the role of chief operation officer a month ago, was named interim chief executive. The move was announced after Ireland beat Gibraltar 1-0 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin, editing by Ed Osmond)